We believe women and children who are survivors of domestic violence should have the tools they need to have a life of safety, stability and success.
Your support has made it possible for the United Way of Jackson County to fund the Trauma Counseling at the AWARE Shelter. Survivors of domestic and sexual violence have a safe and nurturing environment where they can begin the healing process. They have access to group and individual counseling. Through this program, survivors have the opportunityto escape their past and develop their future. The story of Danna and her daughter is just one of hundreds just this year. Names have been changed to protect their privacy.
Danna struggled most of her adult life. She was working, going to school and trying to raise her daughter. She hoped life would get a little easier when she moved in with her boyfriend.
It got worse.
Instead of being supportive and encouraging, he was controlling and abusive. The verbal abuse escalated to physical abuse. Danna endured this life for a year. Through pain, confusion and a lot of tears, she decided that this would not be her life, that she and her daughter deserved better. They left everything behind and escaped to the AWARE Shelter. Immediately she began seeing a trauma counselor. While getting emotional and basic needs support at the AWARE Shelter, Danna continued to work and go to school. She is focused on becoming a nurse. After only a month, she found an apartment and a new beginning for her and her daughter. The AWARE Shelter provided them with food, toiletries, linens, clothing, dishes and other basic items to get them started in their new home. Danna has continued to see a trauma counselor at the AWARE Shelter for ongoing emotional support.
Danna is on her pathway to success and stability.
In the first six months of 2016, the AWARE Shelter provided counseling and assistance to nearly 300 victims of domestic and/or sexual violence. Your support of this United Way funded program has impacted the lives of these mothers and their children in Jackson County for years to come.
Thank you.