Rosemary Sutton - The Zone

When Rosemary Sutton entered the Single Women’s Lodge (the Zone) at The Salvation Army, she was mentally and emotionally exhausted.  She turned to The Salvation Army after leaving a 14-year abusive relationship, suffering from severe depression and recovering from a nervous breakdown.

“I never thought I would end up homeless and here,” said Rosemary.  “I was so tired and depressed.  I didn’t know where else to go.”

Rosemary stayed at the Zone for four months until she became stabilized on her medication.  Her case manager helped her get into a Behavioral Health Initiative, which led to Rosemary obtaining a new apartment with rent and utilities included.

“I’m so grateful to The Salvation Army,” said Rosemary.  “They helped me get back on my feet.  My son and I were part of the Angel Tree program and I was overwhelmed with how caring complete strangers were.  Thanks to them, I received all new pots and pans and beautiful bed linens.”

While she was in the Zone, Rosemary learned a lot about confronting her depression and ways to overcome it.  She became friends with the other women in the Zone.  Her program director, Iris, became her mentor.  When Rosemary moved into her new apartment, she cooked a Thanksgiving feast for the Zone staff and clients to show her gratitude. 

More than a year after her departure from the Zone, Rosemary remains in her apartment.  It seems a long way from bed 13 in the Zone, but Rosemary does not forget her time at The Salvation Army.  She continues to return as a volunteer on a regular basis.  She assists in the Zone, the maintenance department, and this past Christmas spent hours as a volunteer at the Angel Tree warehouse.

“The Salvation Army is my safe haven,” said Rosemary.  “There are angels in this building.  Whenever I feel I need help to get through the day, I come here.  I know they will help me no matter what time it is.”

Rosemary is still battling her depression, but whenever she feels the darkness clouding her mind, she thinks about the friends she has made and all the positives in her life.  When she is having a bad day, she turns to The Salvation Army.  She can frequently be found sitting in the Chapel at the Purdue Center of Hope – at peace with the world around her.