A Journey Toward Safety and Strength: A Thanksgiving Tribute to Our Community

“How Angela Rebuilt Her Life — Thanks to Your Support”

This Thanksgiving, as we reflect on gratitude, community, and the power of second chances, we’re honored to share the story of Angela (name changed for privacy), a 22-year-old mother of three whose resilience continues to inspire us.

Angela moved out of our shelter a couple of months ago, but our connection with her hasn’t ended—she still keeps in touch. On top of that, thanks to the generosity of our donors, we’re often able to walk alongside survivors long after they move into their own homes. Whether they need furniture, baby items, or everyday essentials, our community always shows up for us so we can show up for them. Angela is one of those women.

When we asked if she would be willing to share her story to help other survivors, she agreed wholeheartedly. On the morning we met to talk, she arrived early, smiling and excited, ready to speak honestly about her journey and how far she has come. Her enthusiasm, her courage, and her pride are exactly why telling her story matters—and why your support makes stories like hers possible.

We settled into our chairs with a hot cup of coffee warming our hands, and as we began to talk, it was clear just how far she had come: every word carried the weight of what she survived and the strength of who she has become.
 
Tell me a little about yourself and what your life looks like today.
“Today, I live in a 3-bedroom townhome with my three children, and I work as a custodian at a local elementary school,” Angela shares.

​She first came to Peace Place in 2023 and returned in the summer of 2025. During her second stay, her children stayed with a trusted relative until she was able to get stable again. “Now that I’m back on my feet, life feels different. It feels calm.”
 
What does “home” mean to you now?
“A safe place. It feels comfortable. I can breathe. I can relax. I have a job and my own space. I don’t have to be tensed up anymore.”

Thanks to the support of people like you, Angela was able to experience safety—perhaps for the first time in years.  She talked about how she can finally feel at peace, how the tension she once lived with has eased. Having her own job, her own keys, and her own space has brought her a sense of freedom she once only dreamed about.
 
When you think about where you are today, what are you most proud of?
Her face lights up when she talks about her accomplishments. “I’m most proud of reaching the goals I set for myself.”

She offers a message of encouragement for other women working through our programs:

“Start by setting goals and write them down. Focus on getting a job and use all the resources your advocates give you. Tell your whole story so they can help you. Being secretive doesn’t work in your favor—tell your advocate everything, because they help you stay focused.”

Angela mapped out her journey step-by-step. “Your main goal and first step towards independence is to get a job. Then, if you have children, you need to find childcare. Once you start making money, you can start saving up for an apartment. All these goals can be achieved if you work the program,” she says with confidence.
 
What made you decide to reach out for help?
Angela reached out when she recognized a painful pattern.

​“The way my partner talked to me... he was trying to belittle me, to keep my self-esteem low so he could control me. He pushed me to a breaking point - I had had enough.”

She saw similarities to her first relationship and realized she was repeating a cycle. “It’s so important to get your own stuff—your own car, your own apartment. These things give you independence, freedom, and the ability to make your own choices without relying on anyone else. You gain confidence and control over your life.”
 
What was it like when you first came to our shelter?
Angela describes arriving at Peace Place as a deeply stressful time in her life. Like many other women in her position, she wrestled with tremendous guilt and fear.

“I was very scared because I wasn’t with my babies’ father anymore. I felt like I was doing something wrong. I felt like a bad mother for taking my kids away from their father.”

But everything changed when she met Josie, our Case Manager, and Lisa, our Child Advocate. Each conversation helped her feel safer and she grew comfortable opening up about her experiences.

She shares some words of advice for women in similar situations: “Find someone you’re comfortable with and tell them everything. Open up and share your story, every part of it. Communication is key!”
 
What was your experience like working through our program, and what advice would you give to other women starting their journey here?
“Like I said, once I started talking to the advocates, I started to feel more comfortable.”
She slowly felt safe enough to start GED classes, share her story with others, and work toward her goals.
 
“Josie helped me build my goals piece by piece and encouraged me through each step. The advocates can connect you with so many resources you may not even realize you need.”

“The support groups were also helpful,” she continues. “I started feeling more comfortable about sharing my story when I heard other women share theirs.”

 “It’s so important to be forthcoming and proactive, that’s the only way the advocates can help you,” Angela emphasizes. “They know how to help – open up to them! As I started reaching my goals, I started thinking less about my situation and more about the next step I needed to reach to fulfill my next goal. I found a good-paying job and a daycare with available spots for all my children, but it was in a different city. Josie was able to contact a shelter in that area and arranged my transfer. I felt supported every step of the way.”
 
Were there particular moments or people who made you feel supported during your stay?
Angela smiles when she reflects on her support system.

“Yes—Josie and Lisa.” They made me feel comfortable. They didn’t judge me. They gave me resources and supported me every step of the way.”
 
 What were some things you learned about yourself through this process?
“I learned that I was stronger than I thought.”

She was surprised to discover that other women in the shelter looked up to her.

“I was shocked to see that other women were looking up to me. It inspired me to keep going! I noticed that older ladies were trying to follow behind me and it made me so proud of myself! I encourage all the ladies who are in a similar situation to try to do something different. Let other people’s success stories inspire you but find what you love and pursue it in your own way.

​Her message for others is powerful:

“Don’t ignore red flags. If a man mistreats you, walk away at the first sign.”
 
How was it like moving into your own home?
The moment Angela moved into her house life was changing.

“I felt relief. I felt safe. I could finally breathe. My kids are with me, and I have nothing to worry about anymore. Living on my own means there’s no one trying to antagonize me or control what I do.  Don’t hold on to the past. Take steps forward – you deserve a fresh start.”
 
What goals are you working towards now?
Angela continues to work toward new goals.

“I’d like to move to a morning shift, so I have more time for my kids. I’m also exploring college. One step at a time.”
 
How has Peace Place made a difference in your life?
“At Peace Place, I found people I can trust. They follow up on their promises. They offer support when you’re looking for a job, give you housing referrals and help you find day care with your kids. You get all the support you need for a new beginning.”

She learned to set boundaries, to understand her worth, and to build a healthier future for her children.

“If a man mistreats you, don’t go back. He’s going to do it again. Show a man you love yourself first—because if you don’t, he’ll put himself before you and your kids.”

She adds, “My idea of love has changed. I’m very open-hearted now, but I want respect. I’m not okay with demeaning jokes or being belittled. I put my kids and God first. I know what I deserve now.”
 
A Thanksgiving Message to Our Community
Angela’s story—and so many others—are possible because of supporters like you.
This Thanksgiving, we want to say thank you:

• Thank you for believing in survivors.
• Thank you for keeping our doors open.
• Thank you for providing safety, dignity, and hope.
• Thank you for helping families rebuild their lives—one goal, one step, one new beginning at a time.

Your generosity gives survivors like Angela the chance to breathe again, to heal, and to create a future filled with possibility.

​From all of us at Peace Place - thank you for being part of our community of hope.