Survivor Testimonial
When I arrived at Haven in February of this year, I was a mess. I had been made to live outside for 6 months and had frostbite on both feet. I was dirty, ashamed, and embarrassed. Depressed. A shell of my former self.
The director of The Haven intimidated me at first. A lot of normal things did, even sleeping in a bed in a warm room. But as I got to know Sharon and the women who work there, I slowly became more comfortable.
My stay there was longer than most, a lot because I had to reacclimate to this normal life. The Haven offered me counseling, support, friendship, and healing.
I went there a broken shell of my former self. But thanks to the endless support and resources, I left a healed woman. I became a much better version of myself than I ever dreamed possible.
I stayed at The Haven for four months. I was always treated with kindness and respect. I made many hopefully lifelong friends.
I now have my own house in the city and custody of my kids. None of that would have been possible if not for The Haven. Even now, after leaving the shelter, they are still assisting me when I start to struggle.
I’ve been provided food assistance when I was in need and during the custody hearing, I reached out to Sharon and told her I was having some anxieties. She immediately sent out a referral for a counselor to talk to.
The Haven goes above and beyond. It was my savior, and I will always be thankful to them for getting me where I am today.
Survivor Testimonial
I never imagined I would end up needing a place like this.
I was working two jobs and doing everything I could to build a stable life, but my partner controlled every part of it. Financially, verbally, and emotionally. I had my own home before I moved in with him, and once I did, he demanded 75% of every paycheck just so I could keep living there.
I had to quit both of my jobs because I worked alongside him, and any dream I had of saving for a car of my own disappeared. The abuse got so severe that I genuinely feared for my life.
Leaving was the hardest and most necessary thing I have ever done. I have faith in God. God is showing me that I have to lean on him.
When I reached out to Haven of the Dan River Region, I just needed help. I didn’t know what to do.
Haven is helping me with temporary shelter, food, and necessities when I have nothing left. They didn’t just give me a place to stay; they gave me back my safety and my dignity. I am still receiving their support today as I work toward getting back on my feet, and
I don’t know where I would be without them.
If I could tell one person in a situation like mine anything, it would be this: Please get out of that situation. It is better to be safe than sorry. Your life matters, and it is not worth it to stay.
Domestic violence can happen to anyone, no matter how hard you are working or how much you think you have life under control. Please consider supporting Haven of the Dan River Region. Your donation could be the reason someone else makes it out safely too.