Kay

Kay suffered many years of emotional, verbal, financial and physical abuse at the hands of her husband. He controlled nearly all of her daily activities – who she talked to, what she wore and where she went. He disrupted her employment to the point that she lost her job.

One night, he struck her across her face in front of their son. It was the first time she had been abused in her son’s presence and she was fearful for their safety. Kay called the police, and her husband was arrested. She went to her mother’s apartment where they found The Shelter online. Kay was relieved to learn The Shelter had a pet kennel for their dog, Samson.

Upon entering the emergency shelter, Kay met with The Shelter’s State Attorney’s Office Advocate and Emergency Shelter Advocates. She worked hard to establish short- and long-term goals for herself, including safety planning, maintaining employment and securing safe housing. With the help of legal advocates, she obtained a restraining order against her husband. She attended the Life Skills & Boundaries Group and took part in group and individual counseling.

Kay’s mother assisted with transportation to work and childcare. Kay worked double and sometimes triple shifts at a senior care facility, saving every penny she could. As she prepared to leave emergency shelter, she was approved for a Fresh Start Grant for housing. Today she is ready to start her life free of abuse and excited about her plans to go back to college.

Grateful for the help she received, Kay continues to take part in self-help and financial programs offered through The Shelter’s Outreach Program. She is a survivor-turned-thriver and a true inspiration to others.