Domestic Violence Survivor Builds a Foundation for the Future
<< ANNUAL REPORT 2020-2021
Leilah survived domestic gun violence and fled to Seattle, where she sought refuge with YWCA. After getting urgently needed safety services, Leilah worked with her career navigator and domestic violence advocate to review her strengths, background, employment history, and career goals, and came up with a plan to achieve them. She also created a safety plan, received mental health support, and joined a survivor’s support group.
The YWCA career navigation program first worked with Leilah to develop a basic resume. She had prior experience as a caregiver to elderly family members, and expressed a “strong desire to take care of people.” Leilah worked with her navigator to research CNA (certified nursing assistant) programs that fit her work schedule and family life, and also discussed pay scale, benefits, and other characteristics of caregiving and working in the medical field. Leilah chose a CNA course at Bellevue College, with the long-term goal of a Medical Assistant and Phlebotomy Certification. Her career navigator helped her enroll and purchase the necessary clothing (scrubs, etc.) and other equipment she needed to enroll in the course. By the end of March 2021, Leilah was employed at $20 per hour.
When Leilah first enrolled with YWCA, she was staying at transitional housing in Kent, but had very few belongings to her name. YWCA’s Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act funding assisted her with clothing, hygiene supplies, and bus tickets. She received referrals for food and health care. With the help of the YWCA, Leilah received a voucher for permanent housing and moved into an apartment in Bellevue. After obtaining permanent housing, Leilah’s 8-year-old son and 21-year-old daughter flew to Washington to be closer to their mom. Her daughter got an apartment in the building next to her—reuniting the family, which was one of Leilah’s goals.
Leilah looks forward to reaching her future goals, including furthering her education in the healthcare field, giving back to her community, and learning to drive—this was a personal goal, since her abuser never allowed to her to learn to drive as a means of controlling her.