" I am the mother of 4 children. I was one of the first victims of domestic violence who lived at the Abigail’s Arms shelter in June of 2014. Abigail’s Arms helped me get out of an unsafe home. When I came into the shelter, I suffered from lots of anxiety and depression. The language barrier and my
illiteracy were some of the problems that were so overwhelming for me but my case manager helped me overcome them.
After several months in the shelter, I was helped with housing. My Case manager provided me with home visits. At first, that was overwhelming but I honestly felt it worked. She helped me to learn of ways to count money, opened a bank account, learn how to use my debit card, pay bills, pay rent, keep track of my application renewals, and even buy groceries in bulk sizes to last me all month. All those basic living skills, safety planning, healthy relationship, parenting, and the domestic violence education classes have helped me to become stronger and independent.
My children are happier than ever. They enjoy participating in church and they all have passing grades. My children’s behaviors have gotten better with the help of the Child Advocacy Center. My oldest son was the one that was having a harder time but now he is working and my second to the oldest works with me. My other two kids are enjoying their childhood.
Even after all these years, I was so afraid to file for a divorce for the fear that he would harm me but I am finally filing for a divorce. Yaaaaay I am so happy and I feel stronger than ever. I can honestly say I am not scared anymore. I thank Abigail’s Arms for saving my life. Happy Happy and very Happy.
Thank you!"
