“Cheryl” was a victim of domestic violence, an abusive relationship that severely affected her and her one-year-old child, as well as the baby she was carrying.
When you think about domestic violence, what comes to mind? The Department of Justice (DOJ) defines it as:
Domestic violence can be physical, sexual, emotional, economic, or psychological, or technological actions or threats of actions that influence another person within an intimate partner relationship.
Cheryl experienced much of what is defined here. The DOJ further explains domestic violence:
This includes any behaviors that intimidate, manipulate, humiliate, isolate, frighten, terrorize, coerce, threaten, blame, hurt, injure, or wound someone.
Cheryl suffered these in more ways than she cared to admit. Because she worked part-time, and had very little support from her family, Cheryl was isolated by her boyfriend, intimidated to submit to his every whim . . . or else!
She was so frightened by his terror that Cheryl just couldn't imagine bringing another child into the dangerous and abusive relationship she was in. So, abortion seemed to be the only way to “protect” her unborn baby and keep her boyfriend from wounding her even more.
Frantically, she searched online about abortion to see if there was any way she could get one. Fortunately, she contacted Human Coalition. Here she spoke with a caring counselor who gave her a glimmer of hope and direction out of her circumstances.
At first, Cheryl wasn’t sure about keeping her baby. But as promises were fulfilled and she gained the support she desperately needed, Cheryl began to trust someone for the first time in a long time. As a result, she chose life for her baby.
Her Continuum of Care coordinator immediately got involved to bring stability into her life. “I have provided her with resources for domestic violence services, stable housing options, emotional support groups, legal aid, and financial assistance for rent and utilities,” she explained. Through our partnership with Care Portal, she also received help with a toddler bed and a double stroller. And for the Christmas season, Cheryl and her kids participated in our Holiday Connections program, which further expanded her trust in people.
Soon afterwards, Cheryl joined a support program called Embrace Grace, where she received invaluable support that empowered her to separate from the father of the baby and transition into her own apartment.
According to her Continuum of Care Coordinator, “Without Human Coalition, Cheryl would likely have taken a far more destabilizing path, marked by continued domestic violence, limited access to essential resources, and heightened emotional and financial strain.” Rather, Human Coalition’s interconnected services allowed Cheryl to enjoy true progress instead of being locked into ongoing crisis.
Because Human Coalition connected her to legal aid, Cheryl didn’t have to face a complex legal system alone, which could have jeopardized her ability to advocate for herself. Instead, she got the support she needed and is now on a solid path of safety, hope, and connection.
Because of caring donors like you, Cheryl is thriving. She is securely housed and has obtained full-time employment, which provides stability for herself and her family. In addition, her relationships with her mother and sister have grown stronger, thus creating a more supportive and connected family environment.
Now, with her two precious babies, Cheryl is happy and independent. In fact, she is preparing to launch her own business, demonstrating both confidence and forward momentum in her personal and professional growth.
Thanks to your generosity, you’re rescuing the next mom, like Cheryl, and saving the next baby from abortion. You are making a difference where it counts the most.