Willow Reed
About Willow’s Situation
Willow left her Ojibwe community near North Battleford and moved to Edmonton because she wanted to try to make it on her own and find stable work. Her plans did not work out, and she struggled to find employment and a permanent place to live. She feels like she is becoming a financial burden on her grandparents, who are also struggling, and she does not feel that she can go back home.
After becoming stuck in Edmonton, Willow spent time staying in homeless shelters. She eventually met an older man named Ray, who invited her to stay with him. Willow has now been staying with Ray for about six months. He offered her a place to live, transportation, and help finding work. Willow trusted Ray and saw him as someone who was helping her when she had few other options.
Over time, Willow became increasingly dependent on Ray for housing and transportation. He began reminding her that she owed him for his help and became more involved in where she went and who she spent time with. He eventually began arranging for Willow to meet people for money in exchange for sexual activity. Willow was uncomfortable but felt pressured to continue because she depended on him for housing and other basic needs.
Willow was also expected to provide unpaid childcare and household help. She became close to Ray’s child and genuinely cared about them, making it difficult for her to set boundaries or consider leaving.
Willow is unsure how to describe what is happening and worries that others will judge her or question why she stayed. She has come to the agency because she wants help finding stable housing, becoming independent, and understanding her options.
Needs assessment
Using the information given so far, please fill out a needs assessment. (Credit given to National Standardized Assessment Template for NAARS, off of which this form was adapted)