Kingwood Neighborhood Association

;After 20 Years on the Streets of Central Arkansas, a New Beginning

Anyone involved with the homeless in Central Arkansas over the last 20 years knew Tammy.  Those who worked with the homeless and the homeless themselves considered her a permanent resident of the streets.

However, thanks to a Family Called Us and many other agencies and churches in the SOAR Network, Tammy is now clean and sober and reunited with her family in Minnesota.

It took years of working with her, many failed attempts at treatment, and providing ongoing contact and support.

As with many homeless, it was a major life trauma that put her on the streets.  It was alcohol and drugs that kept her there.

Last January we made a significant breakthrough with her.  We were able to get her into the Family Called Us shelter.  We established contact with her daughter in Minnesota.

We were able to get her into treatment with one of the SOAR Network substance abuse treatment providers.  Following successful completion of the treatment program, other churches and agencies in the SOAR Network helped get her a ticket to Minnesota.

Then began a period of intensive telephone support with her and her daughter as they worked to rebuild a relationship that had been virtually nonexistent for almost 20 years.  We worked with them to get into services and supports in Minnesota.

As you can see from the family photo she recently sent  us, it was all worth it.  She is now in her own apartment and back in the lives of her daughter and grandchildren.  She has a new life filled with promise and hope instead of drugs and despair.  This is what makes it all worthwhile.

There are still many more Tammys on the streets of Central Arkansas.  Get involved!  It WILL make a difference.

Kathleen Countryman
CVSS AlertCenter Facilitator
2715 W. 7th St.
Little Rock, AR 72205
501-372-3856
501-372-3139 fax
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