“Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, a smile, a kind word, a listening ear, an honest compliment, or the smallest act of caring, all of which have the potential to turn a life around. Leo Buscaglia
Success Narratives
I never thought I would share my story after enduring over a decade of various forms of abuse—physical, emotional, financial, and sexual. Trust felt impossible when the one who was meant to protect me was causing harm. When I first opened up to someone, I was terrified but also amazed by their understanding and support. For the first time, I felt seen and understood. I shared painful experiences, including being strangled, and they educated me about the health risks I hadn’t considered. They offered specialized medical referrals and multiple shelter options, easing my anxiety. Knowing someone truly cares has given me hope and a sense of safety. I’m beginning to believe there’s a way forward, and I’m determined to find it.
Survivor - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
After enduring a long period of emotional, physical, and psychological abuse, I finally found the courage to seek safety in a temporary shelter. It was a difficult step, but I knew it was necessary to start rebuilding my life. Once I was in the shelter, I knew I needed to find full-time employment. My part-time job just wasn’t enough for me to become self-sufficient. I faced numerous challenges, including limited income and credit issues, which made finding stable housing difficult. Thankfully, I reached out for help to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. They connected me with community resources for housing assistance and explained my legal options regarding ongoing court matters. What truly made a difference was how they helped me identify job opportunities that offered livable wages. They guided me through the housing application process and even helped me create a budget to manage my finances better. Their compassionate support made me feel less alone in this journey. With their help, I’m now on the path toward safety, stability, and long-term healing. I’m grateful for the support I have received and am so thankful I reached out.
Survivor - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
After leaving an abusive relationship, I reached out for support, feeling both desperate and determined. I shared my experiences of physical and verbal abuse and felt relief when I talked about my abuser's arrest. Finding a safe space was challenging but necessary. The support team informed me of various services, which gave me hope. I requested a referral for an assessment of the strangulation I endured, and they commended me for prioritizing my health. Breaking my lease was a concern since I had lived with my abuser, but we worked on the necessary documents together. I also wanted to focus on my mental health and received tailored referrals for counseling. Within days, I felt my life getting back on track. Their support and regular check-ins made me hopeful about my healing journey.
Survivor - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
While I received medical care, my specialist explained that the SANE nurse would take pictures and ask me questions about the incident. The specialist also explained the process for reporting the incident to law enforcement. They described the rest of the criminal justice process after reporting. I was still a little unsure. However, I wanted the abuse to stop before it had the chance to escalate further. With support from my specialist and the SANE Nurse, I felt comfortable enough to report to law enforcement. I am thankful to my specialist for being there with me through this process. I am glad I came into the hospital that day and feel better about moving forward from this point, thanks to my specialist and the SANE nurse who helped me.
Survivor - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
After being referred to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center, I felt a mix of relief and apprehension. I had been living in fear for nearly a year due to the physical and emotional abuse from my intimate partner, including terrifying incidents of strangulation and sexual assault. Reaching out for help was one of the hardest decisions I ever made, but I knew I couldn’t endure this alone any longer. During our first conversation, I was met with empathy and understanding. The team took the time to listen to my story, which was incredibly important to me. They conducted an intake to fully grasp everything I had been through, making me feel seen and validated in a way I hadn’t experienced before.
What impressed me most was their assistance in navigating the process of filing for a protection order. Each step was clearly explained, which allowed me to ask questions and fully understand what was happening. When the protection order was finally granted, a wave of relief washed over me. They provided me with a copy and educated me on how to report any violations, which made me feel more secure in my decision. I can't express how grateful I am for the support I received. They helped restore a sense of peace in my life after such a long period of distress and fear. Even after everything, knowing that they are there for any further assistance I might need, and the fact that they plan to check in on me, gives me hope. I finally feel like I have support as I work towards rebuilding my life.
Survivor - Beacon of Hope Crisis Center
I never thought I would find myself in a situation like the one I was in. I was in a cycle of fear and anxiety, not just for me but for my children as well. Living with my abusive ex-spouse felt like being trapped in a nightmare that never ended. The yelling and verbal abuse slowly seeped into our lives, and I began to worry that it might escalate into something even more dangerous. The turning point came when I realized that we couldn’t continue living like this. I gathered all the courage I had left and decided to break free. It was terrifying, but I knew I had to protect my children and myself from the abuse.
Reaching out to Beacon of Hope Crisis Center was one of the best choices I made. They connected me with counseling and legal resources that I desperately needed. The emotional and psychological toll we had endured was heavy, but little by little, we started to focus on rebuilding our lives. I feel grateful for the ongoing support from Beacon of Hope Crisis Center. They stand by us as we take these steps toward reclaiming our lives and finding peace. It's reassuring to know that we are not alone in this. Together, my children and I are determined to move forward and create a better life for ourselves.