My children and I were so grateful and delighted at the abundance of gifts that we received. It truly meant so much during this difficult time for us. I know that because of [HAVEN] so many things have become possible for me. Thank you from the bottom of my heart. May you all have a very blessed holiday and a very happy and healthy new year!
They told me all about [HAVEN] and the shelter. I was a little bit frightened thinking that perhaps the shelter was something like an institution setting. I was very surprised to find a warm home with very caring and loving women there to help.
I was showered with an abundance of help. A lot of support came my way. Emotional support, metal health care and medical care were offered to me from [HAVEN]. I found from attending the group meetings that I was not the only one who has lived with such torment.
I finally had a place where I felt safe, where I could think of what needed to be done to put my life back together. Not only did [HAVEN] save my life by offering a safe place and so very much support in all aspects that I need at the time, but they literally saved my life.
I had no one to turn to until I called [HAVEN]. They check to see if I was safe and asked me what was going on, talked to me and listened. I felt understood and also empathy from them. They told me other services should I need further assistance. I felt supported. I called a few more times when I felt I needed that assistance or support.
I was afraid to stay at home that night. I had no money and nowhere else to go, but I called [HAVEN]. They offered to put me up. I was so scared. Staying at [HAVEN] shelter gave me the choice and time I needed to think about myself and to make sure I was safe. I was so grateful to have a choice. I’m not sure what I would have gone home to that night. I’m glad I didn’t have to.
I attend Monday night group. I can share my feelings in a safe environment and listen to others stories of women like me and know I’m not alone or crazy and so on. It’s a form of support I haven’t’ found anywhere else. I may go there feeling down, or drained, but always seem to come out feeling renewed and it supports me and gives me the strength I need to make wise choices for myself in the week to come.
I am so grateful and blessed to have [HAVEN] as support. When the churches and counselors let me down [HAVEN] was there. My hope is for there to be a [HAVEN] near all abused people in need. Help break the cycle.
I will be forever grateful to my therapist for her dedication and direction. I have found my softness again and have feelings for the first time in over ten years. I thought I could heal myself, and tired for over seven years. For me, therapy was a life changing endeavor.
I want to thank you for all that you did for me. Letting me stay there and helping me get back to Michigan which I did do on Labor Day. Sorry I didn’t write before this but I didn’t have any money to buy stamps and cards. Anyway, thank you again and if somewhere along the life I can help pay you back, I will.
[HAVEN] itself provided a very safe, caring environment for my children and me when we had to stay while my family was out of town. Because of this support I feel so much better about myself. Within 3 months of my arrival I was able to work, provide for my children, and have a beautiful home, have my life and my freedom.
The staff and volunteers helped me to learn that no one deserves to be controlled by another person and that abuse is not my fault. It was through both the tangible resources and the compassionate support of [HAVEN] staff and volunteers that I have moved forward.
During the six weeks after I left my home you provided stability, love and passion. Knowing that you were near gave me the courage to get through each day. From my first call to you, to our visit in the park, to my taking the risk to come to the shelter, I felt safe and supported. Thank you for all that you have done for me and for all those whose lives you touch. You are my angel I know for sure but also many other’s angel.
Domestic violence shelter has given me a safe place to learn about myself and also learn that the choices my abuser made were his and not mine. I’ve learned to open up and to make friends, something I wasn’t allowed to do before.
Thank goodness for [HAVEN]. I’ve learned that I don’t have to do or others what they must do for themselves. Every day I am stronger and focus on the positive people and wonderful daily activities of my day.
What a breath of fresh air! Persons like I need to know that personal and legal advocacy are available. The path to feeling whole may be slow and cumbersome, but I think with the support of family, friends and [HAVEN], I can be at peace.
It was a comfort to see a familiar face in court while I had to testify during my divorce hearing.
How refreshing it has been to be in the company of women who have passed down the same road as I. There is truth in the old saying “there is comfort in numbers”. I feel as though I have grown through attending these meetings and gained a certain strength and pride in myself once more and fell that I am now a contributing member of this community. Personal or one on one therapy is helping to heal the spirit in me that was broken through this experience. By having this type of therapy it is helping to heal the wounds.