Gabriela’s story

“When I arrived at SAVE’s shelter, I was worn down and had very low self-esteem.
Due to our past living situation, the children were often out of my control.”

I was with my ex-husband for over ten years and have been divorced from him for three years. He is the father of my youngest daughter. He was an alcoholic who drank every day and was extremely abusive. My children witnessed the emotional and physical abuse done to me at the hands of my ex-husband. I had tried leaving him before but went back to him after he explained how much he missed the children. The abuse continued, although he promised he would change.

When I arrived at SAVE’s shelter…

I was worn down and had very low self-esteem. Due to our past living situation, the children were often out of my control. The children’s behavior was erratic and, at some times, uncontrollable.

SAVE’s shelter staff worked with me…

They helped me regain the respect and confidence I had lost with my children. They advised me on alternative ways to discipline my children without spanking. The Children’s Counselor worked with both of my children, helping them to understand the violence they had witnessed in our home. They also worked with me to develop appropriate consequences and rewards for the children’s behavior. We were also receiving help from family counseling.

Within two weeks…

I noticed a big change in the children’s behavior as well as my confidence as a parent. In the few months that I was at the shelter, I developed my own goals and began to work toward them. As I grew stronger by attending counseling and support groups, my children became more attentive and displayed more respectful behavior. In addition to my struggles with the children, I was also a part of a long and draining custody battle. The advocate supported me by accompanying me to court for moral support. With weekly case management, I developed a career plan. Before I came to the shelter, I worked as an in-home care specialist. However, my dream was to finish my massage therapy program. While at the shelter, I applied for the rental subsidy program. I was accepted to the program, allowing me to complete my training and work part-time. I was moving closer to self-sufficiency.

Where I am now…

Currently, I have full custody of my children and am in the process of receiving child support from my ex-husband. I am starting school and am continuing to search for a part-time job.