For Savannah and her children, Warren Village was a refuge from an abusive boyfriend. Looking back Savannah says she should have recognized the signs. Her boyfriend was controlling; constantly tracking where she was and questioning her if she was even 15 minutes late coming home from work. Then with his increased drinking the abuse turned physical. After years of abuse, Savannah with her two girls, Olive and Elvis, left with only $50, no job and no place to live. The family lived in their car before being accepted at Warren Village.
Savannah talks about how empowering it is to get to know people who are in similar circumstances. “It was also good for my children to understand there are other single-parent families they aren’t alone.” She also says she till take many of the skills she learned in the life skills classes with her, “The classes were great, I loved going to them – it didn’t feel like a requirement. The tools you learn in the parenting classes are so helpful. “
Savannah recently moved out of Warren Village. She is now working two part-time jobs and studying for her degree in cultural anthropology. Her children are thriving and she credits Warren Village for giving her a new start. “The people at Warren Village are amazing, both the staff and the residents. The future is bright. I want my kids to be successful, happy people and discover what they want in life. I’ll always have a relationship with Warren Village. I feel so grateful.”
