Stories of Survival
At the YWCA, we are serving victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in an effort to help them become survivors. We invite you to read their stories to learn more about those we serve. Their stories will inspire you to speak out and become more involved in the mission of the YWCA - to create a community free of domestic violence and sexual assault.
Starting Over
Shelli came to the YWCA Transitional Housing program after suffering years of physical, verbal, mental and emotional abuse. She was hospitalized several times. Once she was cut with a saw and suffered a neck fracture. Her abuser has stalked and harassed her relentlessly through text, phone calls and breaks-ins. He has terrorized her through third parties and has even had her arrested.
After Shelli’s abuser moved out of their residence she was left homeless. Because of Shelli’s strength and overwhelming desire, she has been determined to do what’s necessary to keep him behind bars. She continues to fight her abuser in court due to numerous violations of his TPO.
Shelli is the mother of three girls and working full-time as a Case Manager for DFACS. Shelli would like to obtain her Licensure as a Master Social Worker. She continues to participate in counseling, budgeting, parenting and LifeSkills classes. Shelli is highly motivated to be self-sufficient. She has followed a strict budget and paid off old debt which has increased her credit score by 79 points. The YWCA provided her with a safe place to live and gives her the support she needs to overcome many challenges and move herself and her children to a violence free lifestyle.
Helping to save a life
we need another story here....waiting on cassi.
Taking the first steps...
Hi. My name is Christy, and I am a resident of the transitional housing program at the YWCA of Northwest Georgia. Three weeks after becoming married, the physical violence started. At first, it was just a slap or a push, but quickly escalated into hits, punches, and even bites. I couldn’t even lay down and sleep at night for fear that he would wake up and be mad. I finally left when he threatened to kill me and I no longer felt like he was just saying it.
Leaving was the easy part…staying away was the hardest. He always seemed to know what to say to make me come back and I would find myself feeling like I was in the wrong for leaving. I was incapable of making any decisions on my own because he had taken away all of my confidence. It was hard for me to get a fresh start and I always found myself right back where I started. The shelter director where I sought refuge in Northeast Georgia had told me about the YWCA, but I couldn’t see myself moving somewhere I didn’t know anyone or anything. I was working a minimum wage job and couldn’t afford to pay childcare, much less pay my bills. I just decided to move and did it before I lost my nerve. I got into the YWCA shelter in August of 2011. I was scared. I didn’t know anything about Marietta or the transportation system (buses).
After a short time, I told my case worker I was ready to find a job and get the ball rolling. Within a week, they had my child enrolled in daycare and I was out looking for a job. I found employment quickly and, based on my job and recommendation from my case manager, I was recommended for the YWCA’s transitional housing program. I had a setback due to losing my job; however, after a brief job search, I found a part-time job and was named employee of the month shortly thereafter. Since then, I have been promoted to a lead associate and hope to become an assistant manager in the near future. With the encouragement from my case manager, I have enrolled in Chattahoochee Tech and will begin classes shortly.
I can honestly say none of this would be possible if it wasn’t for the help of the YWCA. I have a beautifully furnished apartment in a safe neighborhood. I am able to focus on my goals without having to worry about how I am going to make “ends meet.” I am also able to obtain counseling so I can work on healing the hurts throughout my life. I am held accountable and, at 33 years old, I am learning to budget my money and realize what is a want and what is a need.
My case worker is always willing to offer encouragement when I am down. I feel like she really understands me and genuinely cares about my success in this program. I am blessed to have been given a chance to be in this program and make a life for myself and my children. The YWCA is a wonderful program. It provides so much to women and meets them where they are, if they just need a safe place to stay, or if they are really ready to change and put the work into it, they are able to help out.
- Christy, Survivor