A True Rescue
Stories
“Mommy, I feel happy.”
These are the words every parent wants to hear from their children, especially when you’re a mom living in a domestic violence shelter with your two kids.
When Maria* called the Newhouse 24/7 Crisis Hotline, she was terrified. Her husband, the father of her children, had been verbally aggressive, physically abusive, and was threatening to take her children away. After years of enduring abuse, they were at a breaking point.
Our legal team helped Maria secure an emergency order of protection and they moved into Newhouse. We are incredibly proud of all Maria has accomplished while with us!
Maria, a Spanish speaker, has taught herself English, completed a marketing training course, and embarked on a new career path. She has prioritized her mental health through one-on-one therapy and gained the skills and confidence to be the successful leader of her family.
Her children have also made great strides in their mental health and academic performance, thanks to our year-round support in the Children’s Center for Education + Healing and our summer camps.
Maria is one of our clients who has taken full advantage of the wealth of services we provide. We love it when our clients access all we have to offer! Our team values equitable support and custom care to help each survivor achieve self-sufficiency. For Maria’s family, we determined that reliable transportation was key to their independence. We provided them with a car and assisted with its maintenance. We’ve also helped create special memories for the family – from haircuts for the first day of school, to fun family enrichment events and special outings around KC. Knowing the boys are Chiefs fanatics, we surprised them with a special invitation from the Chiefs to watch practice field-side, and they’ve been able to enjoy other special events at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.
Maria and her children are different people than when they first entered our doors. We are immensely proud of their strength and dedication to creating a new life free of abuse, and filled with happiness for all of them.
“Newhouse is a true rescue in an emergency,” Maria says. “I am grateful for all I’m receiving, especially the personal therapy sessions that help me process and restore my life and my children’s.”
Maria continues, “Now I am participating in a pot painting activity, which is like therapy for me, and helps me relax and develop creatively. My time at Newhouse has become a big part of my life and restoration story, and I appreciate all the seeds of love they have planted. For the rest of my life, I will be grateful.”
*Name changed for confidentiality.
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Survivor Story
