Most of our Hope women have walked through significant tragedy and loss. They’ve faced unfathomable situations and heartbreaking abuse. Many of our women have lived with a ‘day by day’ mindset for months or years. Or a lifetime. That’s why we offer support groups, mentoring, and now, crisis counseling through our Hope Heals program. We want our women to find the safety and support they need for healing.

 

Years of abuse had overwhelmed every part of Y. Toxic stress wore her body down, mental illness kept her from thinking clearly, and oftentimes, from sleeping well. She was ambivalent toward life and toward people, and consequently, her friendships had crumbled. She came to Hope for food assistance, and Hope staff were happy to meet her needs, but Y had a soul hunger, too. She didn’t say it, but it could be felt. The staff member asked Y if she’d be interested in meeting with the Hope Heals crisis counselor. She said, ‘yes.’

 

After one hour with the counselor, Y’s demeanor had changed. She was smiling and her head was lifted, as if she was less afraid of what might lie ahead. She approached the staff member who had helped her during intake, but this time, she had more to say. “I never thought an hour could change much. I still have to go home to the same difficulty, but for the first time in my life, I feel a little lighter. I have a plan and I know the small steps I can take towards that plan. I’ll be back next week. Thanks for seeing what I needed most.”

 

At Hope, we know every woman wants to be seen, supported, and within that, feel significant. She wants to know she matters and that her life matters. Trauma, abuse, and brokenness can destroy a sense of purpose and worth, and we want every woman at Hope to find healing – not just for the sake of healing, but for the beauty of transformation. Women who experience healing live from a place of gratitude and grace. Their lives inspire others to do what seems impossible – get the help, make the change, leave the abuse, face the fear, break the destructive habit, confront the addiction, or release the shame. The process of transformative growth may not be quick, but it’s incredible how quickly compassion takes effect along the way. Supporting our women as they walk the path of recovery is a powerful gift and we’re thankful to give it.

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