A Window of Hope for Hannah
Hannah’s story is true. Her photo and name have been changed to protect her identity.
At four years old, Hannah would often lay in bed at night, looking out the window and fearfully listening to her father’s violent outbursts and her mother’s cries. One night, the cries were louder and the sounds scarier than ever before, and then… all she heard was silence.
Hannah’s 10-year-old brother helped her escape out her bedroom window. They ran through the dark to a neighbor’s house, terrified for their mother’s safety. The neighbor called 911 and officers found Hannah’s mother on the floor, battered and broken. Her eyes were swollen shut, her cheek bones shattered, and her nose was broken, but her first words were, “are my children okay?”
After receiving medical treatment, officers brought Hannah’s family to The Shelter. They arrived with nothing but broken hearts and the clothes on their backs, but they were safe.
After meeting with a counselor, it was apparent that Hannah was in serious distress. She would not speak or eat and she refused to go to school. She had literally escaped inside herself. Advocates worked with Hannah, hoping to build trust and a sense of safety.
One day on The Shelter’s playground, Hannah shouted “Hey Miss! Look at my cartwheel!” The advocates turned to each other in surprise. It was like a window had flung open in Hannah’s tiny soul. From that moment on, she talked, took part in school, and surpassed all the goals she had set for herself. She enjoyed field trips and gymnastics and her smile lit up the room as she took part in Shelter children’s groups.
Today, thanks to The Shelter’s transitional living program, Hannah’s mother has a job, a car, a savings account, and an emergency fund. More importantly, the whole family has hope.
