My name is Salahi*, and I have a young child. My story may be one that many have experienced; however, for me, it is a story of horror, survival, wisdom, ambition, and hope.
My life was built on tragedy…one that I had become accustomed to.
In the summer of 2022, the life that I knew took a dramatic change in ways that were not expected. That dreadful day was bad, it was ugly, and most of all, it was terrifying. I had an altercation with the father of my young child, who I believed cared about us.
Yet, I quickly realized that we were no longer a concern of his when, during a violent incident, he threw me and my child out of the home late at night, with nothing but the clothes on our backs.
There was no one that I could call on to help save our lives at that moment. My child and I were traumatized during that incident. In spite of that trauma, my faith remained strong and intact. A stranger heard my cries for help and called the police to save the life of me and my child. When the police arrived, I wanted to be able to solve the problem myself because I did not realize in that moment that we needed to be saved. I was given a gift, in disguise!
I was encouraged to file a protective order, and my child and I were placed in a safe house. This was a scary situation; however, I was not going to allow the streets to become my home.
There were moments, while in the safe house, in which I began to doubt the choice that I made. I had many failed attempts to flee the violent lifestyle, and I made a conscious decision that I was not willing to return to the unsafe environment. While being in the safe house for six long weeks, I began to open my eyes and heart, and gain better wisdom as to what I wanted for me and my child.
I wanted something new…yet I did not know what that newness would look like. With the support from a case manager from the District Alliance for Safe Housing (DASH) program, the first step was for me to gain stable housing. I began working to acquire safer, secure housing for me and my child. I received a call from a case manager with House of Ruth, who told me about their programs. Upon first meeting and hearing about the expectations of House of Ruth, I was very nervous about moving in…because all I originally knew was a life of trauma. I was determined to create a better life for me and my child, so I took that leap of faith and accepted that moving forward we would have a better life.
In August 2022 we moved into a place that we now call home. This new home has given my family hope and inspiration, too.
I am no longer a victim of domestic violence, but instead a survivor!
At my new home, my case manager continues to help me to learn new life skills. I was also referred to participate in therapy with the Domestic Violence Support Center; this therapy was eye-opening and much needed. In addition, the case-manager referred me to Kidspace to get some much-needed support for my child. With the support of the Family Engagement Specialist, I was able to get my child enrolled in the program. My child also receives therapeutic/emotional supports and services, where we are able to thrive. I am also enrolled and attending school regularly, in which I am learning skills to become more independent. At times, people may look at me and my child and have no knowledge of what we have been through…however we do not look like what we have been through.
I am very appreciative of all of the supportive services offered by House of Ruth, not only for the material things such as housing, school, food, clothing, holiday gifts, etc….but also for the things no one can see such as mental, emotional, and social support.
I am not sure where my life would be if that dreadful night had not happened. I am now mentally stronger, emotionally wiser, and more secure within myself.
I owe so much to House of Ruth for continuing to support me and my child. I grew up in environments that were challenging and I believe it had something to do with the trauma that I have experienced. I want a better life for my child and in order to accomplish that task, I am more intentional about how I now manage my life. House of Ruth has been a great benefit to me and my child, and with your support, maybe those benefits can help someone else.
–Salahi*, House of Ruth program participant
*Name has been changed.
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