Anita* came to Sanctuary Plus with three young children when she was 23 years old after surviving more than five years of physical and verbal abuse at the hands of her former partner. She had a broken relationship with her mother, no other family or friends to turn to, and a disability that made her feel inadequate and hopeless. MSP’s emergency shelter provided her the space and support she needed to build her confidence. Shelter staff and residents encouraged her and helped her ease into the community through outdoor activities, participation in support groups, and individual counseling that helped her learn more about, and navigate, her disability. She learned how to identify and build healthy relationships, reconnected with her mom, and transitioned to independent living after 11 months. Anita is now in college and looks forward to starting her own business. Anita says MSP restored her purpose, helping her build a future she is excited about. Anita is truly grateful for MSP and wants to one day help others, especially children, blossom in spite of domestic violence trauma.
(*Names, likeness, and quotes have been changed to protect the privacy of the survivors we serve.)
