Shelter from the Storm
When storms darken your life and cast shadows on your sunny days, where do you go? For victims of domestic abuse and violence, the raging storms can turn deadly. The only avenue: get to a safe place.
Since 1906, the YWCA Cass Clay has provided shelter to thousands of vulnerable women and children. But on March 27, this haven of safety needed a shelter of its own. A new threat – the rising Red River – was a block from the YWCA Emergency Shelter.
Thanks to emergency planning by YWCA staff, a secure backup shelter had already been designated. A distance from the river, the makeshift shelter provided the basics, but as the YWCA has proven many times over, shelter is more than a place to eat and sleep. It includes support, too, such as job training, education, counseling and access to medical care – steppingstones to solid ground for lives at risk.
With extra efforts from many, the important work of the YWCA continued during the six-day evacuation – including medical care. Meet Carolyn Wright, RN, a MeritCare nurse who works at the YWCA as part of the Shelter Faith Community Nurse Program – a partnership involving MeritCare, the YWCA, Churches United for the Homeless in Moorhead and the Bush Foundation.
On March 30, Carolyn couldn't report to work because of her own flood battle at home. But the YWCA didn't go without its nurse. Donning jeans and boots, Carolyn's supervisor at MeritCare – Janet Drechsel, RN – stepped into the makeshift shelter and did exactly as Carolyn would have done: met the needs of body, mind and spirit, one client at a time. She listened, counseled, advised and assessed.
"She did whatever she could to help – even made sandwiches," says Erin Prochnow, YWCA executive director. "Our partnership with MeritCare extends in many directions and it's invaluable."
When the Red River receded, the 66 residents returned to the regular shelter. Carolyn resumed her duties and Janet got back to her office as MeritCare Community Connections manager. But she still thinks about the people she met.
"It's so easy for us to get in the car and drive to the clinic when we have a health problem," says Janet. "But for this population, transportation alone can be a challenge. We need to keep finding new ways to meet needs. The Shelter Faith Community Nurse Program is a good start, but we can do more."
Shelter from the storm. Isn't it what we all need from time to time?
Posted Date: May 2009