Wendy’s Journey Out of Domestic Violence…

We’d like to share the story of Wendy, a young woman who was able to regain her life and independence. Wendy began her stay with us in our Emergency Shelter before transitioning to our VOCA XH program. Wendy had been a victim of severe domestic violence. She was actively fleeing her abuser which caused her to be homeless. She arrived to our program with only a few belongings and unfortunately had to leave behind all of her identifying documents. Wendy’s initial housing plan was to reunify with her family out of state. She was also in need of some time to recover and begin to heal from her trauma. 

Wendy was able to transition to our VOCA XH program where she began to work with a Case Manager on obtaining new copies of her Birth Certificate, Identification card, and Social Security card. She needed these documents in order to be able to travel out of state to reunify with her family. This was the first hurdle Wendy had to overcome in her journey as she was born out of state and had no income which made it difficult for her to obtain some of these documents. Ultimately, Wendy was able to recover all her documents and was beginning to feel hopeful again. 

Soon after, she was sadly informed by her family that they had decided they would not be assisting with moving her out of state and she was no longer welcome to stay with them. This was very disheartening for Wendy. This set back motivated Wendy to begin looking for employment and gain her own independence. Wendy began to apply for jobs and was very elated to hear back very quickly from several places she applied to. She began working shortly after and was promoted fairly quickly in her job up to a management position.

As Wendy began her employment, she also worked with her Case Manager on a savings plan and improving her credit. Wendy continued to work on herself and heal from her trauma by attending weekly therapy sessions with a therapist from the Institute of Advanced Studies. Wendy also created friendships and a new community for herself within and outside of GHH. 

Through all her hard work Wendy was able to move into a beautiful apartment with a few roommates. She had substantial savings leaving our program and had successfully increased her credit score significantly. Wendy is very grateful for GHH providing her with a safe place to heal and grow. Wendy shared she also learned family can be made wherever you are and was very grateful for all the friendships she was able to create during this time.