Heather’s Narrative:

Last month, I took a crisis call from a woman who stated she had been trapped in an abusive marriage for 20 years. She had three children, and one of them – the boy – also suffered abuse from the father. She explained how the most recent incident left her son in the hospital because his father choked him. She was so afraid to leave for fear of what he would do, but she knew that she could no longer endure the abuse. During her crisis call, she said she knew she had to leave not only for herself, but for her kids. Abuse was the only thing they knew, and though she tried to create a home full of love and respect by modeling that behavior, her husband was tearing it down with both words and his fists.

When she arrived in the shelter, she was quiet and timid; she looked at the floor when she walked, she was afraid to ask for help, and she was constantly guarded. Little by little I saw her come out of her shell; she worked her case plan, she sought support for her son, she connected with the other ladies in the shelter, and she is no longer afraid to ask for help. As of September 30th – approximately 40 days after entering shelter – she is now a transitional housing resident, and she is working with our housing coordinator to become a Pathways to Home client. She constantly says that it took her 20 years, but she has escaped and has started her life over. Every day she thanks SafeHouse for everything we have done for her – from shelter to personal items to support to community assistance referrals. Nowadays, she no longer looks down when she walks; instead, she looks ahead to her future with a smile on her face.

One survivor writes: "Jeanne and the advocates at SafeHouse, I would like to thank you for all of the food, the toiletries, the electricity, the shelter, the blankets and beds, the safety, my attorney who kept my children's best interests in mind, but mostly for the countless other services that cannot be paid for by money. I consider my proudest moment so far to be when I stepped through that door into SafeHouse of Seminole. I learned courage and strength. I learned compassion. The most important thing I learned was that I am a powerful person who can handle anything. I was shown this by your compassion and dedication to a cause that is too often ignored. As an update, the children and I are extremely happy. I've found employment, a modest home, and a reliable vehicle. I think of you all at least once a day. The children still talk fondly of their friends at the shelter. You are all forever family to us." 

Dearest Advocates:

Wishing you all a Happy Thanksgiving.

Thank you so much, you were all very helpful to me and my twins daughters xxxxx and xxxxx. It has been 4 years since I stayed with you and will never forget your kindness at my time of need. An update: I have been working in the same job for 4 years now and have my own apartment and many blessings. Your individual and group counseling helped me very much and my case manager was wonderful also your staff.