Dione’s Story: Rising Up
Hello, my name is Dione, and I am a Domestic Violence Survivor. I really appreciate the opportunity to be able to explain to you why your support is so very important.
My three children and I were residents at Family Rescues’ transitional housing program: Ridgeland. We recieved many supportive services to help us heal emotionally, and become financially stable. However, we did not always have the sense of security we did living there.
Prior to Ridgeland, I found myself having to hide in my own bathroom from my abusive husband. He was a very angry and insecure man and always took his frustrations out on me. I tried many times to make my marriage work and was hopeful things would work out, but instead things got worse. The abuse went from name calling, feeling inferior and controlled, to eventually being severely beaten to the point where I almost passed out. It was that beating that led me to the realization that my marriage was not going to get better.
After receiving an order of protection, I turned to Family Rescue where I found help and some hope for my future. Upon entering Family Rescue, I was an emotional and psychological mess. But they provided housing, counseling, support groups and referred my children and I to therapy.
My advocate worked with me weekly on budgeting, time management, and increasing my credit score. She guided me with the process of finding a job I actually like and that makes good money! My Advocate also held me accountable towards my goals, believed in me, and encouraged me to be successful.
It was only one year ago that I felt hopeless. But because of the help I recieved at Family Rescue, and some of the supportive friends I made there, I have hope once again. Because of Family Rescue, I became more financially stable and improved my sense of self worth. I came to Family Rescue feeling hopeless, but I left feeling confident, secure, and very hopeful!
Thank you, Family Rescue, so much for all of your support!