Lola's Kitchen
“I arrived to the BWCS with my son and what we could fit in our car. I stayed to myself a lot. I was very afraid. I didn’t know what I was going to do but I was determined to be strong for my son. I wanted him to know that we were going to make it. I started going to groups and meeting with my counselor at the BWCS. Little by little I began to rebuild me. I started eating again, learned how to do my hair and make-up again. I relearned how to take care of myself again after being abused for 24 years.
I was no longer in a hidden place anymore. I was free. I was learning who I was. I was empowered. I found my voice and I learned that my voice deserved to be heard; that it was just as important as anyone else’s voice.
The BWCS is a safe haven. It became my protective place. It was a place where I could learn to heal from my many wounds. I met wonderful people here—staff and residents. I was able to share my story and hear others’ stories. I learned that I wasn’t alone. The BWCS taught me that I have the strength and the power and everything I need inside me.
If you’re experiencing any form of violence, I think the BWCS is the place to be. You can weather any storm here. You can grow here. You can learn here. They have all the tools you need to dream again, to live again and be who you desire to be without fear.”
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Alicia's Gazebo
“I came to the BWCS because someone who I’ve known for years abused me. I felt like my back was against the wall. My friends and family had basically washed their hands of me because I had been in abusive relationships before. I came to the BWCS to not only find myself again, but to find freedom. Upon arrival I was a bit overwhelmed and had a lot of anger inside. But the staff and the residents greeted me with compassion. It was actually beautiful to be around individuals that understood me and viewed me in a non-judgmental manner.
My self-esteem began to grow. I didn’t always wake up dreading the day. I was eager to participate in the groups. I felt like I was learning from the other women and I was able to express myself as well. I also learned that the abuse was not my fault. I’ve broken the cycle of abuse. When I was in the abusive relationship, I was punished for having my own voice and my own opinions. Now I have my own voice. And I would like to use my own voice to help YOU.
I’ve grown spiritually. My patience and my understanding have grown. But mostly, I’ve become independent again. I now wake up and look in the mirror and I do not feel ashamed about my situation or myself.
I am finally free.”
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Poled's Room
"Mi esposo me amenazó que me iba a matar. Tuve miedo porque él tiene una pistola. Llegué al refugio para proteger mi vida y las de mis dos hijos. Fuí a los grupos de apoyo, a las clases de padres, las clases de yoga, actividades de los niños y me gustan mucho porque me ayudan a comprender y romper el ciclo de violencia. Cuando uno pasa por traumas violentos, llega uno a pensar que se está volviendo loca y en el grupo de apoyo entendí que es un proceso normal, que toda mujer víctima de violencia pasa por ese tipo de emociones: enojo, frustración culpabilidad, confusion. Los niños están más tranquilos y ya volvieron a tener una vida normal, sin miedo y sin tensión y están aprendiendo cómo manejar su enojo.
Yo recomiendo tomar todos los pasos necesarios con el apoyo de BWCS y todas las clases para romper el ciclo de violencia y no regresar con nuestro abusador.
Que no tenga miedo y que SI hay salida"
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