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Who experiences homelessness in Austin?
Abraham's Story
Abraham, a ref ugee from Sudan, grew up in a small village called Wau. He is tall, slim, kind, and has the most contagious smile you will ever see. He speaks three languages, Lua, Arabic, and a bit of English.
He is also someone who experienced the tragedy of homelessness. Abraham is a survivor and exemplifies a strength that many of us wish we had.In Sudan, Abraham was a theology student, studying to be a Catholic Priest and teaching Christianity. He lost both parents to Malaria and began to “hear voices” around the age of 18, beginning his long battle with schizophrenia. About six years ago, he was arrested by the Sudanese government and spent three months in jail, where he was also tortured.After fleeing to Egypt as a refugee and receiving asylum with the United Nations, Abraham chose to come to Austin, Texas in 2004. Unfortunately, Abraham was unable to live with his brother here, who had a family of 8 in a two bedroom apartment. Throughout the next few years, Abraham worked with Refugee Services at Caritas and with case managers at Austin Travis County Integral Care (ATCIC - formerly MHMR).
He worked in a downtown hotel in the laundry room, demonstrating a deep family commitment by sending much of what he earned back to Sudan. Sadly, due to his mental illness, Abraham eventually lost his housing and job, and spent time in Austin State Hospital and Psychiatric Emergency Services. He soon became homeless, sometimes eating only once a day, and sleeping in the ARCH emergency overnight shelter when possible, camping, or on the street. During this time, Abraham did what many homeless people with mental illness do- he self-medicated with alcohol.
However, in 2009, Abraham began working with a Front Steps  Case Manager at the ARCH named Candy. She helped him to begin case management, reserve a bed in the overnight shelter, reconnect with an ATCIC case manager, and join Streets of Hope (Front Steps’ drug and alcohol recovery program).
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Congratulations OHUMC!
July Volunteers of the Month
Far from its humble beginnings worshiping and holding Sunday  school in a bar before their own church was built, Oak Hill United Methodist Church (OHUMC) now has a thriving community with 40 volunteers currently working with Front Steps in the ARCH kitchen! OHUMC''s practice of "Open Doors, Open Hearts, Open Minds" is shown not only in their many community meal gatherings, but also in their volunteer groups'' time spent helping our friendly kitchen staff, with three to four volunteers selected to serve dinner three Fridays nights each month for the past six years.Daneda Hansen, a current volunteer, explains that her favorite part of volunteering in the ARCH kitchen is talking to the clients in line, "Even if it is just for a second, in hopes that just a few kind words help brighten their day." Another volunteer, Donna Holt, notes that her favorite part here is the responses from the men when she serves a meal, explaining that "They are so thankful and appreciative of my service." For their continued dedication and compassion, Front Steps is proud to announce Oak Hill United Methodist Church as July''s volunteers of the month!Interested in serving dinner to ARCH clients?
Visit our website!
Hello and Goodbye....
We would like to say farewell and thank you to our Case Manager and Americorps Program Assistant, Heather Thomas, as she heads to Denver, Co! We are so thankful for your support of Front Steps as both a volunteer and employee. We will miss you very much but are excited for your new adventures!
We would also like to welcome John Rubin, our newest Case Manager, to the Recuperative Care Program (RCP). Formerly with LifeWorks, John not only has the skills needed to help our clients, but also the experience, passion, and dedication!
Before John joined Front Steps, Leah Huddleston also joined us as a Case Manager with the RCP. With nearly 20 years experience working with fragile populations, including mentally ill and homeless men and women, and in hospital based social work, Leah is an incredible addition to Front Steps and we are honored to work with her!
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