Survivor Spotlight: Gwen’s Story

The Women’s Resource Center received a referral from the Department of Human Services about a woman needing help. She had fled her abuser with a 3 month old child and a 5 year old child and was currently homeless, couch surfing with friends. She had no cash or SNAP, no bus passes or any paperwork identification for her children because her abuser had destroyed all of it. In order for her to have a DNA test required by Ocean State Social Services, they needed this paperwork to move forward with the custody process, which cost our client time and money. Our Women’s Resource Center advocate contacted OCSS, was able to get our client a new appointment for DNA testing, but most importantly, the worker waived the identification requirement.

Through more advocate referrals from WRC, the client secured a bus pass to get to Providence for the DNA test. However, she was still homeless, with no legal documents and nowhere to go. Our advocate and client met for an appointment to discuss her issues, needs, goals and challenges. The very next day, our advocate was able to find her and her two small children shelter. She is now stable and on her way to overcoming the challenges of surviving domestic abuse, thanks to the Women’s Resource Center.