It took me over 3 years

It took me over 3 years to get out of my abusive relationship. My ex was violent and our home was dangerous for me and my daughter. Once, he sent me pictures of a dead animal and said it was our daughter’s cat. He cut up all my ID so I felt like I was no longer a person. Violence was routine – once he kicked me in the face so hard that it caused an infection that went into my teeth. He wouldn’t let me see a doctor, so the infection spread and caused me a lot of pain. I had to get all my teeth removed and now I wear dentures.

I knew I had to get me and my daughter safe. I didn’t feel strong, I felt like a cornered animal. No one would rent a place to us, every landlord would call my ex looking for information. Turning to WINGS was the only option I had.

When I arrived and saw my apartment, I cried. Only when you feel safe can you start to heal. I knew I was going to be able to get the help I needed to become a person again. This was my opportunity. I suffer from PTSD and depression but being here and accessing the programs helps me learn about myself. It makes me feel better about myself.

There is so much emotion at group therapy, it’s helped me so much. Everyone raises each other up, instead of keeping each other down. They keep us on our path to be the best we can be.

WINGS gives me the opportunity to be a good parent to my child. This place is a sanctuary, it’s a safe-haven. When I had my dental surgery, the staff and the women here checked on me all the time. I call them my ‘soup sisters’ – we would sit and drink broth. No one here is going to judge or shame you. For women who are healing from trauma, it’s important to be surrounded by people who understand.

This is my community.