Archive for December, 2010

As 2010 comes to a close, we want to take a moment to reflect on Safe Harbor’s impact throughout this year. Please take a moment to read the following quotes from a few of the clients whom we have served during 2010.

“At Safe Harbor, there is a roof over my head, heat/air, food and my needs are met. I am safe; I am not alone. My hardest step I’ve already taken. My attitude determines the rest.”

“I don’t just feel better; I feel empowered.”

“I’ve been living this way all my life…with the pressure to take care of everyone but myself. Now, I feel free. I am the owner of my life.”

“I feel really good where I am with myself. I can make my own decisions. I can laugh without having permission. I can do things because I want to do it and not because I am being told to do it. Freedom at last!”

“I thought domestic violence only happened in movies. I didn’t realize that is what was happening in my own marriage. Now, I know there are people that can help me rebuild MY life…Safe Harbor.”

“I am extremely thankful that I received the support and help that I needed. I think about how I interact with others now and how I view myself in a positive light. I feel so prepared to move forward and be the best “me” I can be.”

“Thank You…I will never be able to say that enough. Thank you for all that you do – even though it’s tough and complicated and scary. Thank you again and again.”

“Thank you for giving me hope, peace, and the ability to live freely without fear.”

“Now my dream has come…
My life is peaceful and serene.
I can spread my wings to fly,
I remember to thank God,
I am no longer a victim,
I am a Survivor.”

Dear Friends,

To most of us, comfort and joy during the holiday season are just words to a traditional
song we hear on the radio. But, to victims of domestic violence and their children,
comfort and joy are replaced by isolation and fear. In the words of Beth, “I have been
controlled for so long, I have forgotten how to make my own decisions. I have learned
to disrespect myself. I have forgotten what I love.”

You can provide the gift of comfort. Beth made the courageous decision to get help
from Safe Harbor. “I woke up, and carried my broken self and broken babies to the
light of Safe Harbor. I was given love and shelter. I was fed. I lay down at night and
slept safely. I was given things that I had learned to go without—things like clothes,
soap, shampoo…love and acceptance.”

And you can provide the gift of joy. Beth “woke up to a new day. I woke up to a new
life. I began to trust. I began to trust myself. I began to stand up straight. I came alive.”

Please consider giving generously to Safe Harbor this holiday season. Your gift will
provide comfort and joy, but most importantly—the gift of hope.

Peace to you,

Becky Callaham
Executive Director

by Claire Bennett, Safe Harbor Shelter Counselor

I am the person she comes to first…

 - When she realizes she’s pregnant for the third time by her abuser 
 - When she’s diagnosed with Hepatitis C
 - When she’s finally getting her children back from DSS custody
 - When her divorce is finalized
 - When he breaks her arm
 - When her son makes the honor roll
 - When her mother suddenly passes away
 - When she’s ready to file for an order of protection
 - When she needs to come into shelter for the sixth time

To her I am the person to whom she says, “I’ve never told anyone this before.”  I am called “family”, “mom”, “best friend”, but most importantly, I am her counselor.  Read the rest of this entry »