Tim's Story
“You are worth something and you can do it”
In 2011, Tim Martin walked thru the doors of Ottawa Pads for the first of many, many times. A clean-cut guy with Tourette’s and non-productive habits, Tim was prone to severe anxiety, self-medicating and was short the necessary life skills to keep him employed, out of trouble and unfortunately, chronically homeless. What Tim found at Ottawa Pads was the structure, hand up and caring to fall back on in those years. Program Manager Marissa Melau and Executive Director Carol Alcorn describe their years with Tim as volatile, yet they stayed firm, held him accountable for his actions and believed in him to make the right choices.
Two years ago, Tim returned a changed man. After two divorces, tired of partying, couch surfing and staying at the shelter, he found who he was. He credits his father and Ottawa Pads staff for never giving up on him. “One day it just clicked, and I remembered that I was told that I was worth something, that I could do it and most importantly, no one was going to do it for me. I remembered the life skills classes I attended teaching me about Job Seeking, Money Management, and Reflections, a self -study for soft skill employers are looking for. I remembered the hours my father and the shelter staff had listened to me and gave me encouragement and direction. I began to understand my mistakes and made plans to change it. It was hard, but I just took small steps one at a time.”
Currently at 40 years old, Tim is so proud that he is paying for his own housing now, purchasing his own cell phone and clothing. As he sits with us, he just beams with pride for himself. And this new self-esteem seems to help him manage his stuttering. He returned this year volunteering the nights he did not work. He served meals, put away donations and assisted in checking clients in while talking to each one. He spent time asking about their day. He offered them the same advice that he had received repeatedly. “You are worth something and you can do it.” He told them not to wait for eight years like he did. “Do not waste your life and time. Believe in yourself. No one will do it for you. Break off the goals in pieces that are manageable, meet it and shoot for the next one.”
We share with excitement, that Tim’s new approach to life is doing well for him. It seems like a miracle and all miracles are great events. Tim has since moved on to mend a past relationship and has a job with a better salary. He came in the last night before he left for his train. While he was there, he volunteered. He hugged us all goodbye and had pictures taken with us. His parting words were, “If I can do it, anyone can.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of Tim’s journey and will continue to support his progress. He shared that he will never forget us. It is inspiring that when it seems like a failure in so many ways, that words, care and the hand up most definitely makes a difference.” Carol Alcorn.
Two years ago, Tim returned a changed man. After two divorces, tired of partying, couch surfing and staying at the shelter, he found who he was. He credits his father and Ottawa Pads staff for never giving up on him. “One day it just clicked, and I remembered that I was told that I was worth something, that I could do it and most importantly, no one was going to do it for me. I remembered the life skills classes I attended teaching me about Job Seeking, Money Management, and Reflections, a self -study for soft skill employers are looking for. I remembered the hours my father and the shelter staff had listened to me and gave me encouragement and direction. I began to understand my mistakes and made plans to change it. It was hard, but I just took small steps one at a time.”
Currently at 40 years old, Tim is so proud that he is paying for his own housing now, purchasing his own cell phone and clothing. As he sits with us, he just beams with pride for himself. And this new self-esteem seems to help him manage his stuttering. He returned this year volunteering the nights he did not work. He served meals, put away donations and assisted in checking clients in while talking to each one. He spent time asking about their day. He offered them the same advice that he had received repeatedly. “You are worth something and you can do it.” He told them not to wait for eight years like he did. “Do not waste your life and time. Believe in yourself. No one will do it for you. Break off the goals in pieces that are manageable, meet it and shoot for the next one.”
We share with excitement, that Tim’s new approach to life is doing well for him. It seems like a miracle and all miracles are great events. Tim has since moved on to mend a past relationship and has a job with a better salary. He came in the last night before he left for his train. While he was there, he volunteered. He hugged us all goodbye and had pictures taken with us. His parting words were, “If I can do it, anyone can.”
“We are grateful for the opportunity to be part of Tim’s journey and will continue to support his progress. He shared that he will never forget us. It is inspiring that when it seems like a failure in so many ways, that words, care and the hand up most definitely makes a difference.” Carol Alcorn.
Find Shelter
Ottawa Shelter
About
Ottawa PADS is a 55-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.
Peru Shelter
About
Peru PADS is a 74-bed homeless shelter that provides shelter, meals, and other services to those in need.
FAQs
Find answers to your questions about hours, requirements, rules, and volunteering opportunities.
What are your hours of operation?
We are open from August 1st to May 31st, operating 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Who do you serve?
We serve men, women, and children who are homeless. Our service area includes LaSalle, Bureau, Putnam, and surrounding counties.
What are your admittance requirements?
- You cannot be a registered sex offender.
- You cannot be a violent offender against youth.
- You must not have earned your way on to one of our ban lists.
- You need to have photo ID or be identified by the local police department.
- You need to have connections or local ties to our service area.
- You may not be admitted if you are under the influence and disruptive.
What am I allowed to bring with me?
- Two small bags of personal items which will fit into a tote and one locker. You must find other locations for the remainder of your possessions.
- Bedding, hygiene products, laundry supplies, and food are provided.
Can I bring my pet?
No, you may not bring a pet. A registered, licensed, service animal with proper records of vaccinations and proof of spay or neutering may come into the shelter. Companion animals are not allowed.
What are the rules?
- You must be in the shelter by 5:00 pm every evening, unless you are working.
- Attendance is required nightly in order to retain a bed in the program.
- You are allowed free time outside the shelter from 7:00 am to 5:00 pm daily.
- You are allowed to smoke outside for 10 minutes every hour, on the hour, between the hours of 7:00 am and 10:00 pm.
- Breathalyzers and penlight tests will be administered as needed.
- Parents are responsible for supervising their own children at all times.
- Bed time is at 10:30 pm nightly.
How can I volunteer?
- Complete a volunteer application through our website or contact us directly by phone to schedule a volunteer training.
- Attend a scheduled training orientation onsite.
- Sign up with shelter staff to be added to the volunteer calendar.
- If you are providing a meal individually or as part of a group, the day and time of the meal must be coordinated with the shelter staff in advance.
How can I donate?
- Volunteer your time cleaning, organizing, fellowshipping with clients, or providing entertainment.
- Prepare and serve a meal.
- Purchase and donate supplies that are found on our needs list.
- Assist us with leading classes, support groups, or Bible discussions.
- Share your skills. We welcome persons with maintenance skills, money management skills to share with clients, nursing skills to aid clients, and smiling skills to brighten someone’s day.
- Provide financial donations to assist us in paying the bills and building more programs. You can send a check, submit online donations through paypal, or bring cash to any of our locations.
Are my donations tax deductible?
- Yes, we are a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization with a EIN # of 36-3778430. Your financial and in-kind donations are tax deductible. Any of our locations can provide you with a receipt.
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