A Survivor's Story

She walked through the doors with her children close by, her face marked with a deep black eye and bruises trailing down her arms. The staff at the shelter immediately recognized the urgency of the moment and gently asked if she needed medical attention.

“I think I’ll be okay,” she whispered, her voice tired but determined.

By the next day, it was clear that she wasn't. A hospital visit confirmed she had a concussion that was already beginning to heal, but her recovery would need to be more than physical.

During her time at the shelter, she and her children found more than a safe place to sleep. She began counseling to process the trauma she had endured, while her children were enrolled in school, bringing a sense of routine and stability they hadn’t known in a long time. The shelter’s legal advocate worked alongside her to obtain a protection order, helping secure safety and peace of mind for her family.

For the first time in a long while, they had full, nourishing meals. They received toiletries, warm clothing, and the essentials they had been forced to leave behind. Despite everything they had experienced, the children found moments of joy—chatting with staff, laughing as they helped decorate for the upcoming holidays, and embracing the warmth and kindness surrounding them.

Soon, she was connected with the housing authority. Before long, she moved into a place of her own. But her journey did not stop there. House of Grace continued to walk beside her, providing ongoing counseling, access to the food pantry, and Christmas gifts for her children, making their first holiday in their new home one filled with love instead of fear.

This story is not just about survival. It is about rebuilding. It is about resilience, healing, and hope. And through that hope, she and her children found a future they once believed was impossible.

At House of Grace, no one has to face abuse alone. No matter your story, your background, or where you are in your journey, help is here. We believe every person deserves safety, dignity, and compassion, and we are committed to walking beside anyone who reaches out, offering support, resources, and hope for a better future.

Call our confidential 24/7 Hotline for support and resources. 662-342-1432