Darlene
From the priority area Thriving Children

The cycle of drugs and violence was derailing Darlene from the life she wanted. After relationships involving domestic violence and drugs and a series of short-term jobs, Darlene and her children were evicted from their apartment. She decided it was time to get her life back.

While staying at a shelter in Norwich, Darlene learned about Madonna Place. There she found the services and programs to help her not only get her life on track again, but to assist her in learning more about the most important job of all—being a Mom to her children.

Through the agency’s Nurturing Program, Darlene learned about effective communication and appropriate expectations for her kids. It also “taught me the importance of positive praise,” Darlene says, “how it affects my children’s self-esteem and self-control.”

At Madonna Place, each mother has goals and is required to meet them in order to remain in the program. Some of the goals include opening a bank account, saving money, and getting a job. Free phone and fax use, a children’s playroom, educational classes and use of a kitchen are offered by the agency to help each person achieve her goals.

Darlene is at last, back on track. She has a full-time job, and the family has moved into an apartment with the Thames River Family Program. Most importantly she says, “I am constantly acting as and learning how to be a good role model for my children.”