Amelia immersed herself in the shelter’s programs. She worked closely with client advocates, joined a domestic violence support group, enrolled her children in youth groups, consulted with a legal advocate, and received care from a health advocate. Slowly, she began to heal. Her determination to lift herself and her children out of their dark past was evident in everything she did. As Amelia’s confidence grew, her children began to feel safe once more. Their smiles greeted us every time they came in for group sessions, a testament to their growing sense of security.
With the support of a client advocate and her own resolve, Amelia eventually found a place for her family. She shared the news with tears of joy, particularly moved by the simple act of choosing her own curtains. “I know it seems so small,” she said, “but for me, it means the world to choose how I decorate our little home without anyone putting me down or destroying what we’re building.” Amelia began volunteering at her children’s school and, through networking, secured a part-time job. She continued to participate in support groups and ensured her children received the care they needed. Determined to build a better future, Amelia enrolled in English as a Second Language (ESL) and computer literacy classes at a community college with her advocate’s help.