From Client to Staff

Amber Williams came to Indianapolis in 2024 to be closer to her oldest daughter, who was a senior in high school at the time. Amber didn’t have a plan beyond being close to her daughter and her other children. With no plan, Amber quickly found herself in a troubling situation.

“I lived in my car for at least two weeks,” said Amber. “It was scary. I didn’t know where to go so, I decided to park my car around downtown Indianapolis, thinking that if something were to happen to me, someone would hear my call for help.”

Amber eventually found herself at a local downtown shelter. She described it as overwhelming, packed, and at times unsafe. Amber learned about The Salvation Army Ruth Lilly Women and Children’s Center, and after several calls, she got a bed.

“When my case manager said ‘we are going to help’ on the first day I was there, I knew I was in the right place. The shelter felt safe and welcoming, much different from the previous one,” said Amber.

Once she was finally able to relax, Amber focused on finding a full-time job and being present in her children’s lives. She began attending all her daughter’s lacrosse games and school events. Amber recalls being in the stands of a game, her daughter noticing her and being able to get a quick wave and smile from her daughter. Her daughter told Amber that seeing her mom in the audience made her day.

“Being at the shelter allowed me to get closer to my children. I didn’t have to worry about my personal belongings going missing or not having a bed that night,” said Amber.

Once she left the shelter, she found a place to live and another part-time job. Still, Amber found it difficult to keep up with her bills. At times, she lived with no running water or heat. “It was like I was back to step one,” said Amber.

Salvation Army case managers stay in touch with each of their clients after they leave, and when a full-time position opened up at the Women and Children’s Center, Amber’s case manager encouraged her to apply.

Amber is now one of the shelter’s intake specialists. She is the first person to greet the women arriving at the shelter. She helps them get acquainted with their new room, gives them anything they may need, and even prays with them.

“I love the shelter and am so happy to be giving back to people who were in a similar situation like I was years ago,” said Amber.