creating hope, healing lives, changing community
Edith's Story
At age 51, Edith came to Safelight completely broken by what life had dealt her. She had been seriously beaten and actually had a black eye when she came into shelter. She was just leaving a 27-year abusive marriage, and her two grown children had moved away from the area. Edith was filled with guilt, feeling that her failed relationships were her fault. Even though she had a good job, she felt incapable of coping with life on her own. She was suicidal
She immediately began to receive counseling at Safelight and our staff saw to it that her medical needs were met. Edith was in shelter for about six months before she was able to obtain safe, independent housing. In that time, through counseling, support group, case management and such services as On Track (a budgeting teaching service), her whole attitude changed. Edith's self-esteem and self-worth grew and she began to experience a better outlook and a self-sufficient life. She learned she could rely on herself.
Edith is very grateful for the on-going support she receives and for the faith that staff had in her worth, even when she did not have faith in herself.