Ready for the storm

Every summer, my family and I go camping.  It really doesn’t matter where we go or what time of year we go, we know that it will rain.

Our little tent is awesome when there is just a little bit of rain.  It even does OK when it rains a little more heavily for a short period of time. But when the winds blow and the storms come, that tent and all that we brought with us is usually soaked, and the camping trip is over. 

The same could be said for many of the ladies we work with at the Crisis Shelter for Women and Children. They have built their lives inside of a tent.  When things are going well, the world is awesome. They enjoy their lives and their freedom.

Usually, they can endure little setbacks and challenges.  Some can even endure the heavier storms and difficulties in life fairly well.  However, when more serious illnesses or setbacks occur, their lives are ruined and they’re left with a mess.

At the Shelter, we strive to help women learn the tools to develop physically, mentally, spiritually and socially.  We long for these ladies to rebuild their lives on a solid foundation with a secure roof, so that the next time a storm comes, they will be ready.

~Rich Schaus, Director, UGM Crisis Shelter for Women & Children