Eva

Eva grew up in a violent home, where she was abused by her father. This lifestyle made it difficult for her to see and understand the red flags of domestic violence. Years later, she ended up in an abusive relationship of her own. When her partner was arrested for trying to strangle her, Eva arrived at The Shelter with her two children, Tyler and Avery.

On her first day at the Shelter, Eva went to the courthouse and met with The Shelter’s paralegal, who helped her file for a restraining order. She received it and set her sights on creating a new life for herself and her children.

Within two months, Eva not only met but surpassed every goal she set for herself. Despite working full time, she consistently attended advocate meetings three times a week and actively participated in group meetings and The Shelter’s Healing Arts program. She also completed The Shelter’s Economic Empowerment program and improved her credit score.

Determined to break the cycle of abuse in her family, Eva made sure her children received counseling. Tyler, 12, worked with a Raising Gentle’men advocate and Avery, 8, took part in one-on-one counseling with our clinical adolescent counselor.  The family also worked with the National Alliance on Mental Health (NAMI) to foster their mental, emotional, and behavioral health.

Despite her many hurdles, Eva completed the paperwork and documentation to be accepted into a new affordable housing complex, with rent on a sliding scale. Through Florida’s Victims Compensation program, she received $1,500 towards her relocation. Thanks to The Shelter’s resale store, The Shelter Options Shoppe, Eva was able to furnish her apartment with furniture and household items.

But Eva didn’t stop there. Her next goal is to return to school for a radiology degree from Lorenzo Walker Technical College. She is a shining example of what can be accomplished when survivors are empowered with the resources to free themselves from the chains of domestic violence and find peace and self-sufficiency in their lives.