"...from there, our lives changed."

“My stepdad had tried to take everything from us – but mom wouldn’t let him. She got us to Raphael House, and from there, our lives changed.” –Dani

Hi friends,

I’m 19 now, but I was only 10 when my mom told me “nos vamos” (we’re leaving). It felt sudden then, but she’d been planning it for months.

Have a bigger impact on survivor families. Donate by December 31st to double or triple your gift!

Things with my stepdad had gotten worse and worse. I remember how we’d freeze hearing a key in the door, waiting to see his mood. It was scary as a kid, but I didn’t realize how bad it was for my mom – the abuse, not letting her work, cutting her off from everyone.

She was brave getting us out of there. And now I can see that coming to Raphael House’s shelter probably saved our lives.

Everyone was so nice to us – I’d never seen my mom smile and light up like that before!

They helped us get our own apartment, and the advocates are still there if we need anything, even now. Mom has stayed connected to her support group at Raphael House, and she loves giving back, like last week she made flan for everyone.

I try hard to follow her example. I’m going to school to be an ESL teacher and working part time at a coffee shop.

I want to help other families like ours and be a spark of good in the world. You can do that, too – by donating to Raphael House! It really makes a difference, we’re proof of that.

P.S. I’m really thankful that Raphael House was there, or I don’t know where we’d be today. There are so many kids whose families need this help – like mine did. I hope you’ll think of us and make a gift!

Donate by December 31 to have an even bigger impact on survivor families. Thanks to an anonymous donor:

Your gifts of $120 or more will be tripled, up to $10,000.

Your gifts up to $120 will be doubled, up to $5,000.

I want to double or triple my gift!

If you've already donated this season, thanks so much from all of us! This match is also a great opportunity to share with your network and let them know why you support our life-saving programs.

Raphael House is here for the whole family

We’re honored to provide a safe place for families escaping domestic violence (including pets), and then be here with continued support as they build new lives after abuse.

In the past year, we’ve served 508 survivors – including 314 kids – through our emergency shelter and ongoing programs alone, with 97% sharing they have a trusted connection at Raphael House.

Because this giving season is so crucial, we send more emails than usual. Just let us know here if you'd like to pause messages until Dec. 30 rather than unsubscribing permanently. 💛