Success Story: Georgia
“I know that where I was two years ago and where I am today is completely different.”
Two years ago, Georgia McClary found herself in a sticky situation. She had outstanding DUI charges, an abusive boyfriend, and nowhere to turn. One night, an argument with her partner turned violent and the police were called. Georgia’s warrants were discovered and she was put in jail—she’d finally hit rock bottom.
“I sat in jail for three days and at that point decided I needed to do something different.” She said, “I needed someplace that was safe.” That’s when Second Step Housing stepped in.
Jackie Parker was Georgia’s first case worker. Jackie was able to see Georgia’s potential and drive to succeed. “Jackie took a risk with me,” Georgia noted as she recalled her first week in the program. Georgia moved into Hyde Park House and began the process of getting her life together. She had found her “someplace safe,” but that was only the beginning; she still had jail time to serve.
“I sat in jail for another 75 days, but I had a place to come home to. There is something to be said about stability.”
Completing her term in jail, Georgia was allowed to move back into Second Step Housing. The stability and security she found allowed her to take care of the other “stuff” that had been disregarded for so many years. Her first accomplishment was to finish the Displaced Homemakers Program at Clark College. She then went on to complete Second Step Housing’s Ready to Rent program while attending her two, weekly recovery meetings and outpatient treatment. During this period of achievement and growth, Georgia was on electric home confinement—trying to reach her goals while attached to the not-so-trendy ankle bracelet. With the help of Second Step Housing women, however, Georgia made it work. “One of the gifts about being in Second Step Housing,” she said, “is the support from other women.”
In January 2007 Georgia started full-time at Clark College pursuing a two-year degree in Business Accounting. She even went the extra mile to work part-time as a work study student. Her new caseworker, Valerie Norris guided her to set goals and accomplish them. Perhaps the greatest achievement of all was that Georgia was finally able to reconnect with her family after four years. She flew to Minnesota and met her two grandchildren for the first time. Georgia’s determination paired with Valerie’s assistance fueled the fire for success.
Today, Georgia is living in her own apartment and attends WSU Vancouver, working to achieve a degree in Accounting.