Former Middle Way client helps others overcome social barriers

Debra Morrow has come full circle since her time as a Middle Way House client.

She now works as the organization’s community services coordinator and has volunteered with numerous organizations in Bloomington.

Morrow has been selected by the Woman of the Year subcommittee to receive the Emerging Leader Award for her ongoing efforts to help others overcome social mobility barriers, according to a press release.

“I feel kind of in awe of the fact that somebody nominated me for this, but I feel like it gives a message that, no matter what situation somebody is ever in, they can always move forward and totally turn their lives into something else,” Morrow said.

Today, Morrow’s responsibilities at the Middle Way House include coordinating training sessions for volunteers and interacting with residents as they’re moving in, but it wasn’t long ago that she was in her clients’ position.

Once the victim of an abusive relationship herself, Morrow relied on Middle Way’s services for financial stability.

“I used to always feel like there were people like me and there were other people, and that there was such this wide difference between us all,” Morrow said. “And then to now work right with these people and realize there isn’t an ‘us’ and a ‘them,’ we’re all in this together.”

While enlisted in Middle Way’s transitional housing program,

Morrow worked toward a degree from IU-Southeast in criminal justice and graduated Magna Cum Laude.

During that time, she volunteered at the Shalom Center and New Leaf, which works with women transitioning from jail into the community.

Shortly after, Morrow received a job offer from Middle Way House. Morrow was able to purchase her own house and eventually became president of the Broadview Neighborhood Association.

She currently works with NET, the Monroe County chapter of Prevent Child Abuse Indiana.

“When I received support from Middle Way, I realized I could make decisions and decide I want to do something and actually do it,” Morrow said. “Being able to volunteer with different programs and participate with things in the community, all of it meant a lot.”

Morrow said she encourages women in abusive relationships to not be embarrassed and to seek help as soon as possible. If she had not done so, she said, she would not be in such a great place today.

“Never be ashamed of an experience you’ve had,” Morrow said. “Never be so ashamed that you don’t reach out for help. I think one of the biggest problems is that people feel ashamed of themselves for the situations they’re in, but there’s always help and never ever be afraid to reach out and get it.”

If there’s one thing her volunteerism has shown her, Morrow said, it’s how essential community support can be in helping a person be successful.

She said she hopes that, through her work at Middle Way, she can show women in abusive relationships their personal value.

“I think I’ve really learned how remarkable people are,” Morrow said. “How, when people are working with you and they encourage you and give you the power to make your own choices and support you in those decisions, how incredibly freeing that is.”