By David Freeze

For the Salisbury Post

SALISBURY — Pam Bradshaw is 56, from Salisbury, and she’s making progress. Bradshaw has been at Rowan Helping Ministries since Feb. 23. She has bed No. 1 in her dorm that includes 30 beds. 

Bradshaw said, “Since 1995, I have been a nervous wreck. I have never done drugs, and never abused alcohol. I get migraines, debilitating ones where I can’t function. And I have severe social anxiety, meaning I can’t stand crowds and especially strangers. I also have attention deficit disorder, making it hard for me to focus at times.”

Both of Bradshaw’s parents are still alive and in the South Rowan area.

“I have wonderful parents and I love them both, but I’m definitely a daddy’s girl,” Bradshaw said. 

Bradshaw has two living children, 33-year-old Tristan and 25-year-old Logan. A third child, Jordan, would have been 33 but tragically lost his life 26 years ago. 

Unable to work for years, Bradshaw had a nervous breakdown in 2017 after her daughter lost her kids and her companion passed away unexpectedly. She said, “It was a nervous breakdown from life.”

Initially, Bradshaw was afraid to come to Rowan Helping Ministries, but is sure that she’s made progress by being there. When she became homeless, she didn’t want to spend her nights on the street or in a homeless camp.

“The street is dangerous and not for me,” Bradshaw said.

When asked to describe a day in her life as a Rowan Ministries guest, here were her thoughts. 

Bradshaw sleeps in her bed until about 7 a.m., when her best friend Kelly Cooper often wakes her up. All bedding is then put in a bag for morning cleaning. Nothing can be left hanging and she tidies up her footlocker. Three pairs of shoes are allowed. At some point, Bradshaw gets her morning shower. 

Each guest has a chore to do, so Bradshaw heads off next to sweep, mop and clean the bathrooms. She said, “I can’t allow them not to look their best, that is just part of my makeup.”  

Usually she skips breakfast and checks the list of educational classes posted for the day. A new posting is done each evening. Classes are mandatory unless excused by her case manager for reasons of sickness, doctor’s appointment or work. Class subjects include things like personal hygiene, possibly housing and overall health. Bradshaw often spends time in the employability lab, hoping to find work that meets with her own needs and what the potential employer might expect. Classes are usually in the mornings but can be in the early afternoon too. 

Monica Seamon, education and transition manager, said, “We have an array of classes that assist the guests on their journey. RCCC provides those employability classes, even helping guests to enroll in school. RCCC also teaches regular and advanced computer skills. Sessions by Cabarrus Rowan Community Health Center offers My Best Health focusing mostly on mental health. There is also an overall health offering.  

Bradshaw participates in a morning walking class on Mondays and has been its most dependable participant. She hasn’t missed a class and will join five others who will participate free of charge in the Santa 5K on Dec. 9 at Sloan Park.

Lunch is available from noon-1 p.m. in Jeannie’s Kitchen. The public is invited to this meal only.   

During free time in the afternoon, Bradshaw often walks to nearby stores for things needed. She likes to get snacks and an occasional sandwich from the local Speedway convenience store. Bradshaw also volunteered at the Pedal Factory and was able to get her own bike through them. 

Usually once a week, Bradshaw visits her case manager for an update and to get her medications. The medications are counted out for the week only. The case manager keeps Bradshaw updated on what is expected of her. 

When re-entering the shelter portion of the building, Bradshaw enters through a metal detector and takes a breathalyzer as she signs back in. There is no smoking inside and all lighters, cigarettes and vaping supplies are locked away. They are returned to the guest when they leave the building again. 

Dinner is available, for guests only, in the evening. Sometimes, Bradshaw attends. 

All guests have to be back inside the facility by 9 p.m. They receive their cleaned bedding and turn in their day clothes for washing from 6-10 p.m. A shower is again available. At 10 p.m., all are required to observe quiet time. Earphones allow the guests to use their electronic devices which are charged in the day room. This ends Bradshaw’s usual day. 

Bradshaw has expectations for her future. She said, “I would have my independence and be normal. Normal is having a home and having my life in order. The volunteers and staff here, some of the best people I know, have meant so much to me. I will get Medicaid the first of December and then I can go to my doctor and medications will cost much less. I’m trying to find work, something that I can qualify for. I’m working hard to improve myself.” 

Seamon echoed those thoughts. She said, “Since I met Pam, she has known that she has work to do and she does it. She always smiles and is attentive, all the while encouraging others.” 

“A volunteer named Sandra was here when I first came to Rowan Helping Ministries,” Bradshaw said. “I thought I was lost in the crowd. Sandra told me that she could see me, she was the first but not the last. I wish people would want and appreciate the help that they can get here.”