Jody's Story

Jody, her 16-year-old son Dillon and her 2-year-old daughter Isabella currently live at the Inn Between. Jody's oldest son lives with his father (Jody's ex-husband). Jody was married for 15 years, she says her ex-husband was very jealous; they separated and later divorced. Jody then met Isabella’s dad. She says he was worse than her first husband. She and Isabella's dad were off and on for about three years; they frequently talked about marriage and kids. They moved to Oregon to be closer to his family, but because of domestic violence she left him. Jody moved back to Colorado and into her own apartment in Longmont. Her first husband took her to court for custody of their two sons; he was awarded full custody of both boys. Jody became very depressed, she moved back to Oregon with Isabella's dad. She says "that didn't work it was five months of bad news". She went into a Safe Shelter in Oregon where she called her dad and told him to get her out of there.

Jody's parents sent her an airline ticket to come home, she moved in with her parents for 7 months until her daughter Isabella was born. Jody called the Safe Shelter of St. Vrain Valley for assistance. She told them that due to the domestic violence in her past she needed to be in a safe secure building, they referred her to the Inn Between. Once Jody got accepted into the Inn, her ex-husband allowed Dillon to move in with her. Jody's oldest son who is now 17 years old continues to live with his dad (Jody’s ex husband), he is happy where he is. Dillon too is happy to be with his mom, he says that he did not get along well with his dad or brother. Jody says that her relationship with her oldest son is good, as it is with her ex-husband. She says "it has its moments"� but they are now "friends". Jody says that Isabella's dad is still in Oregon and her philosophy on that is "Stay Aware-Stay Alive".

Jody says that while at the Inn she has been able to pay a lower rent, which has allowed her to get back on her feet and has even bought a car. When her daughter was born, she was a "Special Needs Child". Because her child needed to be in therapy, Jody was able to work parttime and take her child to her physical and occupational therapy appointments. Once her child was older and healthier she was able to find a full time job. While living at the Inn Jody has received assistance in paying for childcare for Isabella, and also secured employment at the same childcare center. Jody had a child care center in her home in Oregon and wanted to stay in the field she says she loves kids. Jody is currently a toddler teacher at the day care center where she works, and has received notice that she will be taking over as the pre-school teacher.

Jody has applied to and has recently received notice that she has been accepted into the Family Self Sufficiency Program. This is a program that will assist Jody in fulfilling her dream of furthering her education. She wants to someday get a degree in Child Psychology. Jody wants to provide counseling to kids and or wants to do physical and occupational therapy also with kids.

Jody says that she has grown up a lot since living at the Inn Between; she has learned to be on her own, to stand up for herself and has gained confidence that she didn't know she had. She has also learned to manage her money. Her son Dillon says he too has grown up. He moved in with his mom as soon as he found out she was pregnant. After Isabella was born Dillon helped with childcare while his mom worked nights (2:00-11:00 p.m.) Dillon took care of Isabella when she was just 2 months old and says he has dealt with all the baby issues most moms’ deal with. Dillon says because of the Inn he was able to move out of his dad's house. Dillon is currently a student at Old Columbine, he has all A's and B's in school. Jody is very proud of Dillon and so are we!

Jody loves her apartment here at The Inn. Jody says she "doesn't want to move"� but looks forward to moving on and getting back into college.