When Ronald first came to the Emergency Lodge he was disheartened and didn’t think he would ever get his life back together.  During the case managers first meeting with Ronald he was so depressed, and stated to her, “My mom died and my kids don’t want to have anything to do with me.  I don’t know what I am going to do.” Ronald walked around with his head down and feet dragging every day.  

The first goal he and the case manager set was to obtain employment.  During his weekly case management sessions he would be asked how his job search was going. He would respond the same each time, “I’ve been everywhere, and no one is going to hire me.”  The case manager continued to work with Ronald on his job search and encouraged him not to give up and to keep looking for a job.  His response was always the same “Yeah, whatever you say.”  Ronald was not convinced that he would ever find employment. Everyday he would come to the Emergency Lodge with a look of disappointment on his face; but, in spite of the many rejections he was experiencing he continued to search for employment with the encouragement of the case manager.       

After months of searching for employment he was offered a part time job working in a mechanic shop.  The day he was offered the job he came back to the Emergency Lodge with a look of satisfaction and pride that the case manger will never forget. He was so excited that he found a job and could start working on the next step of his action plan.  Ronald began saving money from his small pay checks right from the start.  He was eventually asked to come on full time because of the wonderful job he was doing. This increase to full time was the break Ronald had been waiting for.  He was then able to save even more money each week and began searching for affordable housing. Eventually, he did find an affordable apartment and moved in shortly after.  Ronald has maintained his employment for over a year and his housing for over six months.