Sasha likes to sweep. She wants to keep the space around her clean and safe. It may seem like a small thing to many, but sweeping up the dirt, rocks and leaves that sully the sidewalk is one small thing she can do to control her environment. While Sasha is safe and well cared for now, Sasha spent far too long living in environments where she had no control.
As a survivor of domestic abuse, Sasha once faced the profound vulnerability of homelessness on the streets of East St. Louis. Even in those difficult times, her spirit remained unbroken as she sought to create a sense of comfort amidst the chaos, sweeping the pavement to find a moment of clarity.
Social workers moved her from the streets to a hospital and eventually to a now-closed group home. Unfortunately, the staff there was not equipped with the right resources and Sasha suffered in a toxic environment. The residents there were referred to simply as “them.” When Sasha first arrived at Caritas, she was navigating a period of intense crisis. Without the stability of person-centered care or a consistent treatment regimen, her world felt erratic and overwhelming.
Finding Support
In the six years since then, Sasha has undergone a beautiful transformation. Today, she is known as a woman who is calm, kind, and deeply trusting—a true reflection of the stability she has found. With a stable living environment in an apartment, proper medication, and patient, caring staff that has focused on person-centered supports, Sasha has evolved into the best version of herself.
Ashley, a direct care professional who has worked with Sasha since she came to HSS, said “She is like a flower that has blossomed. She is funny, caring and simply amazing!”Sasha now dreams of further independence, including community employment and the pride of homeownership. Having her own personal space has given her the dignity and security she deserves. “Being at Caritas has taught me to like being around people again,” Sasha said. “They are not my family, but we are a family. They are all I have.”
Our Supportive Housing program empowers individuals on their recovery journey by providing the stable foundation needed to maintain secure, independent living. Additionally, our Supervised Mental Health Housing offers around-the-clock, compassionate guidance and support to encourage the personal growth, stability, and well-being of individuals with significant mental health needs. Your compassionate support allows Caritas to provide these life-changing resources that give individuals like Sasha the opportunity to thrive. Together, we are fostering recovery and building a more caring community every day.
