"Sally's" Story

"Sally" became involved with The Umbrella program after her husband was arrested for domestic violence.  The Umbrella’s Court Advocate met with Sally to assist her with obtaining a protective order and to advocate for the her during her husband’s arraignment. Sally shared how the abuse began as verbal, but escalated to physical after she became pregnant. When her husband began directing the abuse towards the children, she knew she must protect them, and she called the police.

 Sally felt very much alone, as her husband had kept her isolated from friends and family, restrained her, hurt her, threatened to kill her and tried to train the children to be abusive towards her.  However, through her contact with The Umbrella’s Court Advocate and weekly counseling sessions at The Umbrella, “things started to click” for Sally. “Good support was in place,” and she began to realize that she didn’t deserve to be abused. Slowly, Sally was able to rebuild her self esteem and develop a safety plan for herself and her children.

During her husband’s sentencing, The Umbrella’s Court Advocate spoke to the prosecutor on Sally’s behalf.  Sentencing included jail time plus probation for many years.  Eventually, Sally was able to obtain a divorce from her husband.  It has been some time, but Sally still refers to the safety plan she developed with The Umbrella’s help. Her children are getting the therapeutic support they need, and Sally is finally living in a peaceful and safe environment.  Sally reports that she is still working on healing from the trauma she experienced as a result of the domestic violence.  She is beginning to process her past life, and how the violation of trust from someone she loved and depended upon has left long and deep scars. She is now writing a book detailing her experiences in hopes of improving community response to victims of domestic violence.

"Margaret's" Story

Last fall, a young mother named “Margaret” went for her monthly prenatal check-up.  Her doctor noticed that her face was badly bruised.  When asked what had happened, Margaret disclosed that her boyfriend, the father of her unborn child, had beaten her.  The incident was reported to the Department of Children and Families and to the police.  A police report was filed; it was not the first domestic violence incident on record for this couple.  The man was arrested, but would soon be out on bail.  Pregnant, unemployed and with little family support, Margaret and her five-year-old son came to The Umbrella shelter to be safe. 

Soon after arriving at the shelter, Margaret began attending an Umbrella domestic violence support group and weekly counseling sessions.  Margaret was also referred to Birmingham Group Health Services, Inc. for mental health services to help address symptoms of depression and anxiety.  

Soon Margaret was feeling stronger and ready to begin her journey toward a new, safe life for herself and her children. Margaret’s DCF worker made a referral to The Connections Program, and she was put on a wait list for supportive housing.  Margaret’s son was enrolled in a new school and made a quick and successful adjustment.  The Umbrella’s Child Advocate organized field trips and educational activities for the youngster to enrich his experience at The Umbrella shelter. 

Thanksgiving and Christmas were spent in the shelter.  Both holidays were made special by generous donations from the Valley community.  A baby shower was also organized for Margaret and she received all that she needed for her new baby. Shortly, after the holidays, Margaret, with her Umbrella Advocate at her side as her birthing coach, gave birth to a healthy and beautiful daughter.

Soon, Margaret will be moving into a rent subsidized apartment and returning to work.  Care4Kids will make it possible for her to afford childcare.  Her DCF worker collaborated with the Beyond Shelter Program to provide her with the necessary furnishings she’ll need for her new home.  Donations to The Umbrella shelter will supply her with house wares and linens. 

Recently, Margaret expressed that she wants to remain connected to The Umbrella as a source of support that she knows she’ll need in her journey to a safe and more prosperous life for her family.

"Annie's" Story

In the late spring of 2007 "Annie" entered our domestic violence shelter frightened and depressed.  Her older son often cried and clung to his mother for reassurance.  Annie was unemployed and questioned how she and her children would survive.  She had difficulty sleeping, and although she fed her children well, she had little interest in eating. 

After several weeks of meeting with her advocate for domestic violence counseling, attending support group and living in a safe and supportive environment, Annie looked rested and relaxed.  One day she remarked that she had no idea how stressful her life was until she left her abuser. 

With the help of her advocate, Annie the learned how to access community resources to begin her journey.  By the end of two months, she had applied, and was approved, for state assistance and began receiving food stamps, cash assistance and medical coverage for herself and her children.  She also applied, and was approved, for the WIC program, which provided her with nutritional counseling, as well as supplemented her family’s dietary needs.  During her third month, she found employment and applied to Care4Kids to help cover the cost of day care.  Women live at our shelter rent free but agree to save whatever income they receive to enable them to successfully transition to independent, violence free living.  Soon after she began working, she had enough money saved to rent an apartment. 

This young mother is no longer frightened or depressed, but instead, happy and confident.  Her son is no longer emotional and clinging to Mom; he’s talkative and enjoys playing with other children.  Her youngest learned how to walk and spoke her first words while living in our shelter. Today, Annie continues to do well and her children are thriving. 

"Maria's" Story

A Spanish speaking woman entered our shelter this summer.  "Maria" had fled her subsidized apartment because her abuser stalked her relentlessly and had no fear of police intervention.  Not only did she leave her subsidized apartment, she left a number of community services that were vital to her survival.  Our Latino advocate assisted her in navigating her new community for the necessary services. 

Unfortunately, Maria's abuser found another target – Maria's young adult daughter.  The police were involved but unable to protect her daughter from his escalating violence.  After careful consideration, it was decided that it was in the best interest of both for her to enter our shelter. 

Domestic violence counseling, advocacy and support group fostered Maria's and her daughter's healing and empowered them to pool their financial resources and move into an apartment together.  This past December, mother and daughter celebrated their first Christmas in their new home without fear.

-back to top-