Lindsay’s Story
Art donated to Barrett Foundation by Lindsay
Lindsay and her son, Jonas, found a fresh start at Barrett Foundation
Before coming to Barrett Foundation’s shelter, Lindsay and her son Jonas describe a “string of terrible things," that destabilized their lives. Lindsay faced several medical issues including an endometriosis diagnosis and chronic migraines. There were days she could not get out of bed, let alone go to work.
“I was miserable in my own body,” says Lindsay.
She struggled to find stability for herself and her son, having to bounce between staying with friends and family.
Then she came to Barrett Foundation’s shelter. On her first night here, she describes finally feeling safe enough to sleep through the night.
“Barrett allowed me to slow down and get the medical care I needed,” she says. Lindsay worked diligently with Barrett Foundation’s case workers and shelter staff to find the medical care that was right for her.
Just as important for her recovery was the community she and Jonas built with staff and other shelter residents.
Barrett became “a little community” for them. These relationships and community helped both Lindsay and Jonas begin to heal from their past. They both formed relationships with other residents that are still strong today.
“We can just sit together,” Jonas says of his friendship with another boy who stayed at the shelter at the same time. “We don’t have to explain. We just understand.”
Barrett Foundation gave Lindsay the stability she is now able to provide for Jonas. “I feel like he’s transitioning really well,” she says. “He’s acting like a teenager. It’s healthy. I hang out with him and other kids and I’m like, 'oh this is normal'.”
“To go somewhere I felt safe was really special to me,” Lindsay says about her time at Barrett. "It's a place where you can go and heal."
With Barrett Foundation's help, Lindsay moved into an apartment that her friends describe as "peaceful." She has started cooking again and has the space for her large collection of plants. Finally, she and Jonas have a home that is just for them.