The following was written and read by a Domestic Violence Survivor at the Shelterhouse Survivor's Speak this past October. Her desire is to spread the word/to share her story /to give hope to others... please take a moment to read her story in her own words... then share her story with others... help others to also say: "I'm going to make it in so many ways. It's possible!" 

I am a woman, a beautiful woman. I want to stand and be proud.

I want to hold my head up. I want to have friends, male and female.

I want to spend time with family. I want to find a job.

I want to go for walks. I want to keep my apartment.

I want to be able to say "Hey, I'm worth it."

I want to go places and not have people say "There she is-

"His" woman, poor thing." I want to find my life.

I want to find me, who I am. I want to be able to care.

I'm beautiful, caring and worth it. Because Jan said so!

        I never knew there was a place that could help so much in so many ways. Shelterhouse has helped me change from a very sad and abused person, who would rather hide in a corner than to let anyone see me. I was someone who thought if I died or he killed me (like he threatened), oh well, problems will be over.

     Now I have a long way to go yet, but thanks to Jan and Shelterhouse I can talk and smile more. I had no idea what happiness was. But I'm learning. And I'm learning  -I'm going to make it in so many ways. It's possible!

Thank you for everything Shelterhouse! 

Editor's Note: Thank YOU for sharing and spreading hope to others!