I’m unsure about each of you, but in this last month I have been feeling overwhelmed, over-committed, and tired. It seems that the excitement of the summer coming to an end and needing to pivot back into wearing masks has created a sense of lost hope and exhaustion.
I have found myself fed up with the change and in desperate need of compassion. Last week, I had the opportunity to chat with the Garden City/Eagle Rotary Group, and instead of worrying about the next thing I was going to say or the stress of presenting, I decided to fully listen to the story of one of our survivors, Betty. They shared about their experience with economic abuse and being in our Financial Empowerment program. Their story was phenomenal in the ways they healed, gained certifications and gained financial independence. They have truly made a 360 – from surviving to thriving. At the end of their story they said this:
“Change is inevitable, and I am embracing what is coming my way. Feeling Blessed!”
Betty is right, and that statement gave me so much perspective. In that moment I gained a glimmer of hope and realized that instead of resisting the change, I need to embrace it and be hopeful. Thank you, Betty.
With this, and with Domestic Violence Awareness Month (DVAM) just around the corner, I wanted to share a few client exit interviews. These exit interviews are what clients share with us as they leave the shelter and move into the next steps of their lives. They highlight the phenomenal work of our staff and the impact that the community makes each day by being advocates for our organization and supporting the work we do.
Client Exit Interviews
“I will forever be grateful to the WCA and its staff. In my 6 months receiving services and living in Serena’s House, I literally found myself changing in more ways than I could have ever imagined. Without the support I received, I would never have found the strength to testify, sending my abuser to prison. I honestly probably wouldn’t be alive right now….but I am. Finally free, happier than I can remember being in years. Thank you isn’t enough for all the wonderful ways this organization has helped my son and me. Most people are more excited to leave the shelter into their own home; however, my son and I both are so saddened after such amazing things have happened to us here.”
“I feel that coming to the WCA was the hardest and best thing I could have done. The classes and issues addressed were helpful on my journey through healing. I feel that I am starting to get my self-esteem and self-worth back. I never realized that fear controlled my life. Now I can face it, embrace it and face tomorrow.”
“I have been able to process a lot at the WCA. This program has helped me transition into a healthy person with boundaries and self-confidence. I will continue therapy and case management, and I will recommend the program to anyone who I feel would benefit from it. I hope to one day give back to the community all the gifts the WCA has given me. Thank you.”
Healing Begins With Hope
Healing Begins with Hope (HBWH) and DVAM are coming up in October, and we are so excited to have you take part.
My hope is that you would like to be an HBWH host for our virtual event on October 29th. Invite peers into your home to view together or have a watch party with friends and family over Zoom!
If you are interested in hosting please sign up for our HBWH Host Orientation on September 16th. Email Bre at [email protected] or sign up here!
If hosting this year isn’t something you have the bandwidth for, we would love for you to share this event with your peers via an invitation to watch with us virtually. If you would like postcards sent to you to share with peers to spread the word please email Bre at: [email protected]
We want to spread hope in our community, so we are trying something special this year. We are inviting everyone to take action by participating in our 24 Hours of Hope. Be on the lookout for an email about the 24 ways you can be a part of this day of hope on October 29th!
In Hope and Rest,
Bre
EVENTS
