Success Story

When I was scared my husband was going to physically hurt as the abuse was escalating. A coworker told me there was a shelter I could go to for domestic violence victims, Safelight (then Mainstay) helped his family member and linked her with many resources.Safelight helped me navigate out of this abusive relationship and they taught me how to take out a restraining order and supported me when I had to call the police. Three years later I found myself in another abusive situation and went to live with Safelight and my counselor helped me recognize the signs of power and control. With now an 18-month-old baby, I overcame my fears to become independent. After living with Safelight in shelter, we soon moved into their supportive housing in an apartment for about nine months until we were able to get our own home. We used Safelight’s Child Advocacy Center, this program helped us with personal and family therapy through the worst time in our lives. The resources they have offered us for our physical and emotional wellbeing, have been invaluable.

Sometimes it is hard to see yourself capable of moving out of an abusive relationship because the abuser will financially support you making you depend on them. Safelight’s job training program in the Resale Store empowering me to be self-sufficient and build my resume. My SafeWorks life coach helped me with budgeting, a school plan and choosing a career path. Safelight has truly been an incredible resource for me as a survivor of domestic violence and sexual abuse. My family is now in a safe position to thrive and be safe. My child and I are now thriving as survivors and contact Safelight when we need supportive counseling. The Safelight team is available day or night, they are truly a blessing to have in our community to protect those our most vulnerable.

–S., Survivor