Lynn was admitted into the Milwaukee Women’s Center’s emergency shelter after enduring verbal, emotional, economic, physical, and sexual abuse at the hands of her spouse of 15 years. The last incident caused her so much pain that she decided to leave for good, even though her spouse had control of their finances and did not allow Lynn to have any money.

Within 72 hours of entering shelter, Lynn completed a needs assessment with her Case Manager to develop a housing plan and she was connected with Goodwill Industries and the Division of Vocational Rehabilitation for employment case management services. The shelter’s Case Manager also provided assistance with her Social Security Administration benefits application and provided a referral to Legal Aid Society of Milwaukee to begin divorce proceedings. While in shelter, Lynn actively engaged in all support groups and continued to work closely with her Case Manager to address her needs and goals.

After several months, Lynn obtained housing with the aid of rent assistance, a Go Pass for transportation needs, and she was also connected with a psychiatrist and therapist. Lynn successfully transitioned out of the shelter and for the first time in a very long time she expressed that she felt "free" and "relaxed."