Overcoming Domestic Violence

Yolanda Gonzalez and her two children came to our Emergency Shelter in November of 2006 fleeing a severe domestic violence situation.  Yolanda had been in an abusive relationship for several years.  She gathered her courage and left this awful situation with the faith that she would find the support that would allow her and her family to live and flourish in a safe and peaceful environment.

This step was extremely emotional for Yolanda because she had promised herself that if she left she would never go back once she had left her situation. She had grown up in a family that emphasized that once you get married you never get divorced, no matter what.  This only made the decision to leave her harder.  Regardless of the fear, self-doubt and uncertainty about her circumstances, she left. She wanted to be anywhere but in the darkness of her abusive relationship. Her fear and concern was not only for her, but for her two little ones.

Entering the Shelter provided her the opportunity to educate herself about domestic violence and to gain the knowledge and life skills necessary to become independent and self-sufficient. Not having to live in fear of violence or wondering where she and her children may end up allowed Yolanda to change her life.

After completing her stay in the Shelter, she was able to enter our transitional housing program.  With more time now, she will be able to permanently overcome the barriers that led to her homelessness, provide a safe and healthy environment for her family, and continue working on a new life for her and her children.