Winona was referred to the program in May of 1996 by the Ute
Mountain Ute Tribe Social Services. At eleven she was the oldest of four
children and was dealing with sexual abuse issues. Her family was also in
disarray due to her stepfather's recent DUI manslaughter conviction.
Winona was matched in September 1996 with a woman named Lori and they were able
to spend almost a year together before Lori left to go back to school.
Winona continued to be active in Partners while she was on the waiting list.
Then in the summer of 1998 Winona attended a local summer drama program and
convinced one of their employees to become her Senior Partner. Terri and
Winona were matched in August of 1998. Terry has been very supportive of
Winona and was successfully helpful with getting her to pass the eighth grade.
This past summer Winona was a volunteer helping her Senior Partner with the
drama program. Winona also started working at a local restaurant and has
begun the ninth grade. Unfortunately, her family problems have continued
with her step father being releases from jail, getting her mother pregnant and
then leaving the family. Fortunately, Terri has continued to support
Winona and they have both agreed to continue their Partnership another year.