2025 March
By a Joy Junction Staff Member (JBF)
Sometimes…most of the time…life does not turn out the way we dreamed it would. Usually, before we are placed in a certain situation, our brains “orchestrate” how we think that particular situation will play out.
Some parts of the dream scenario may come to fruition, but usually, even those are a bit different than our mind’s eye saw them beforehand. There can be no exact certainty in how our life’s plan, on a daily basis, will unfold. Each decision determines the direction for that moment.
Unfortunately, there are times when the results of those decisions move us into a position or a relationship that becomes hurtful, harmful, and horrific. An exit from that position or relationship is usually the most logical next move. Sometimes, that leads to homelessness.
That’s when we enter the picture. We know that the people who need assistance, and arrive on our doorstep, come with “baggage” of one sort or another. Whether it is emotional, physical, or financial, they are carrying a heavy load.
Most of those who have come to us from a scary, traumatic situation need to feel safe before they are able to even think about any type of transformation in their lives and habits.
We want them to feel that “safety net” immediately and know that not just “anyone” can come onto our shelter property. We take the safety of our guests very seriously. Once our guests have been signed up as a resident, we do our best to help them feel safe with their new environment. Being shown that their space inside our shelter is protected allows them to begin to relax and let their guard down.
Bianca (not her real name), one of our guests, found herself in just such a situation.
Here’s her story:
I had no hope left…
I headed to the bus station. I wasn’t real sure what I was going to do, as $50 doesn’t go that far – but it was the only thing I could think of.
The words of my ex kept running through my mind. He said I was nothing, and would return to him. I was beginning to believe him.
While I was sitting there at the station, trying to decide what to do, I saw a commercial about Joy Junction on the tv. I decided to call the number to see if they could help me.
That call changed my life!
When I arrived here [Joy Junction], the people showed me and my kids so much love and comfort, I could hardly believe it. The staff made sure we felt safe. After settling in, I looked around and realized I was not alone.
I’ve built a family out of the others who are staying here. The people, environment, and program motivate me to stay sober. In fact, because of the encouragement I feel here, as a single mom, I am hoping to be able to go back to school so I can get a job in the social work field.
I am so thankful for this place! They believed in me when no one else, not even myself, did. I appreciate them showing me love. Everyone deserves that!
Safety, hope, peace, and encouragement are all words that we want our guests to feel. Our program intentionally and gently moves them toward feeling emotions that are positive – not negative or fearful. It’s a type of rehabilitation that helps them take note of how their past choices have placed them in circumstances that eventually caused them to become homeless.
Abuse in any form is unacceptable. Helping our guests learn how to recognize it before it becomes a part of their life is vital to their future ability to not repeat their past. As well, our program helps them begin to understand that they need to take responsibility for their own personal recovery.
Being able to communicate about their needs (the boundaries that will help them feel safe, and the expectations they put on themselves) will allow them to make attainable goals – goals that are realistic, as well as wise.
Bianca and many others are gaining confidence daily and are looking forward to eventually being able to move out on their own. It thrills our hearts to see the transformation results on the faces of our guests as they begin to understand that their current situation does not have to remain as it is.
We want our guests to know they can truly trust the fact that they can begin to make plans to have a job and a place of their own after they complete the program.
Healing really is possible with plenty of time, training, self-discipline, and trustworthy advocates.
We work hard to provide those things for our guests.
