Sojourner Center knows that healing looks different for every family.
For one mom staying in our Emergency Shelter with her two young sons, it looked like studying for her Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) certification while visiting her three cats in our Pet Companion Shelter.
Throughout her time in our program, she remained focused on her goal of passing her final test and beginning a new career. She often brought her laptop to the cat room, where she said the calm environment helped her concentrate. It became a place where she could recharge and spend time with her pets while preparing for the future.
“She told me this space helped her feel grounded. Not just for the cats, but for herself, too,” said Jamy Kling, our Pet Companion Services Manager. “She would always give me updates on how her studying was going. I was so proud of how hard she worked.”
The day this survivor passed her exam, she came running into the shelter to share the good news with her children and to celebrate as a family. Now, she’s officially working as an EMT and preparing to move into her own apartment.
“It’s a reminder that safety and support make all the difference,” said Jamy. “Whether it’s a place to rest, study, or simply feel at peace, we’re here to walk alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives.”
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