A Testimony of Hope & Perseverance

Adherent to our mission of providing stability and protection to women and children and promoting change in lives, families and communities, S.H.A.R.E. House programs work in collaboration to inspire hope and a successful new beginning. Our 24 hour domestic violence shelter provides a safe refuge to families escaping domestic violence. We would like to share the journey of Donna and her two children, a family that touched our lives and the lives of many through their perseverance and strength.
A Testimony of Hope & Perseverance
DONNA
Donna entered our shelter with two children. One of her children spoke words that will forever be etched in our memories. This child seeking desperately to provide encouragement to a mom in despair said, “Don’t cry, Mom, we can go home after he uses all his bullets.” The simple statement expresses a child’s desperate need for hope among tragic adversity. The unwavering optimism expressed by this child’s statement combined with the unbelievable accomplishments of the children in this family later serve as a reminder to us all that we can overcome and rise above tragedy.

The family sought refuge with their grandmother to escape the violence, in retaliation their father, in a drunken rage drove by and shot at the house repeatedly. The children explained they had to flee their grandmother's home because she could not sleep in the hall with them to keep bullets from hitting her. At times we would find the children sleeping in the closet, but throughout the healing process the children maintained a positive outlook. Legal advocates worked with mom, while child advocates and counselors provided therapy. This family overcame the trauma of their childhood and served as a light to many in the community experiencing domestic violence. One child became youth of the year for The Boys and Girls Club. Another was accepted into the Douglas County High School International Baccalaureate Program. Working with community programs the children received scholarships to play basketball and participate in the band. Both children actively take part in our teen program, speaking openly about their journey with family violence. They aspire to make a difference in the lives of others. The same family that entered our shelter scared with nothing except the clothes on their backs, are now symbols of hope to all that know them. They were not broken by the violence, instead they work to mitigate the effects of domestic violence for others.