Ester

Ester first learned about The Shelter’s services during a community education class at her nursing school. Three months later, she called The Shelter’s Crisis Line seeking help for herself.

Beaten down physically, emotionally and financially, Ester shared the pain and suffering of her 17-year abusive marriage. She showed a picture of herself before marriage and remarked with sadness how her face had become permanently damaged.

The impact of her husband’s violence left Ester convinced she would never escape. She had no financial support, no daycare and no place to live long term.

Through The Shelter’s Haitian Initiative, Ester took part in the Creole Support Group, where she was empowered to take matters into her own hands. She created an escape plan and, with the help of a local attorney, moved forward with a divorce. She returned to school, completed her nursing degree and is creating a new life for herself and her children.

Ester is a role model and mentor to other members of her support group. She is living proof that there’s no stopping the success of an empowered woman once the barriers of abuse and violence have been lifted!