I never thought something like that could happen to me. I never saw it coming. I really didn’t think he was that kind of guy. But he was.

About a year and a half ago, I was dating a man. He seemed nice enough. Then one night, he broke into my apartment. He beat me and sexually assaulted me in front of my 2-year-old son.

I was so traumatized and scared, I moved out immediately. I didn’t know if he would come back and “finish” the job. A month later, the police caught him and today he’s in prison. But I ended up in prison, too—an emotional prison.

After I left my apartment, I also lost my job. My whole life started falling apart. I kept moving from house to house, living with people I thought were safe, but they weren’t. All I wanted to do was forget what happened, brush it all off, but I couldn’t. I started having nightmares, and I was paranoid that something bad would happen again. I needed help. And that’s when I turned to Joy House.

I came here two months ago. For the first time, I was surrounded by people who cared about me. It was so comforting to spend every day with women who have been through similar circumstances. We pray together, encourage each other and comfort one another. It means so much that I don’t have to do this alone. Thanks to Joy House, I have a new relationship with my Heavenly Father, and I’m learning to leave all my fears in his hands. It’s not always easy, but I’m getting there.

Thank you for supporting the Milwaukee Rescue Mission! You’re not only giving me the chance to heal, you’re giving me a new future for me and my son. Thank you!