Homeless
Shelter Helped Me Regain My Life
To the Editor:
The Mission
Statement at
Three
Oaks Center states "provides emergency,
transitional and permanent
supportive housing that helps
individuals and families meet
their basic needs for shelter,
stabilization, assessment, and
referral to appropriate
resources so that they may
return to living productive,
self-sufficient lives in our
community."
This Mission
Statement does not begin to
truly reflect what Three Oaks
provides.
I short time ago,
I lost my marriage, my car
stolen, lost my job, home and
all hope. Not having any
family, I found myself wandering
homelessly from one makeshift
shelter to another. My meals,
if lucky, were from dumpsters at
fast food restaurants. My
bedding, a dry piece of
cardboard. When I found work, I
would arrive early so to be able
to shave and wash so no one
would know of my situation.
After work, I returned to the
cold, endless and often hungry
nights.
At 3:18am one
November night, as I walked to
keep warm, I was arrested for
"Rogue/Vagabond" or being
homeless. The arresting officer
appeared concern but naturally
had to do his job. At the
detention center, the Officer
suggested the Three Oaks Center. Upon my release, I headed over to
the center.
I was immediate referred
to the Housing Director Jean
Harmon.
I told my story and for
the first time, I saw genuine
concern and compassion.
I was fed, clothed and
given a place to sleep.
But with each passing
night, I often found myself
awake, scared and wondering.
I had lost my dignity,
hope and will.
Soon after
arriving, I was given
responsibilities.
Expectations were
required, resources offered and
sometimes, just a shoulder to
lean on. It went beyond just a
bed and some food. With the help
of Three Oaks, I began to have
some hope and my self esteem
began to return. With the daily
encouragements from staff, time
and resources, I started to
redeveloped myself, made and
achieved goals and strived to
improve.
With any issue, Jean and
her staff were there every step
of the way to guide, direct and
assist.
When I gave up, they did
not.
Friendships and a sense
of family evolved.
Three Oaks Center restored my esteem and gave me
hope.
Due to their
dedication and services, I will
be leaving in May.
Due to Three Oaks, I am
leaving for a better life and
most importantly, a renewed
sense of worth and hope.
This is not just a
testimonial but a sincere 'Thank
You' to Mr. Lancaster, Jean,
Sarah Ruben and all the staff
who have helped me as well as so
many others.
Without them, I dare not
imagine.
Thank you
Three Oaks Center
and for all those that may read
this, man, woman or child, there
is hope, help and a shoulder at Three Oaks
Center.
Mark A.
Segreti
Three
Oaks
Center
Lexington Park
