Monica and her daughter started over again, with only the clothes they were wearing and the smallest amount of personal belongings you can imagine.

The circumstances that brought them there were both tragic and miraculous.

They were living with her ex-husband in a hotel when things got really bad. For her safety, and for the safety of her daughter, she had to get out. Monica took her daughter and fled to The Haven, the local domestic violence shelter. Meeting other women and children in similar situations helped Monica feel less alone. She and her daughter participated in counseling, and that helped them begin taking steps toward healing. Although they have begun the process of healing, they have a long way to go.

Monica got a job and found an apartment to move into. She is in the process of establishing a new life, a life free from abuse and control. A life where she and her daughter have the potential to experience freedom and joy.

Monica became a client because The Haven is a part of Love INC’s network of community relationships. She had needs that Love INC could meet, and so The Haven gave her the number to call. She reached out, and through the process of intake and verification, she built a relationship with the volunteers she spoke to. By getting to know Monica and her situation as well as possible, her exact needs were determined.

Monica and her daughter needed absolutely everything to set up their new apartment. They didn’t have beds or household furniture. YOUR generous donations provided everything they needed and then some. The Furniture and Appliance Ministry delivered beds, living room and dining room furniture. In addition, they brought towels, kitchen items, and all the other miscellaneous things Monica and her daughter needed.

The trauma of abuse breaks connections, and causes a mistrust of others. However, God created us for relationships. Trauma is healed and trust is built with healthy connections. The kind of connections that happen when a Clearinghouse Volunteer listens to a story with compassion, validating the suffering of a person. The kind of connections that happen when a house full of furniture is delivered with a smile and a kind word. THIS is the primary work of Love INC – loving God, by loving others.

Thank you for all you do to show Love In the Name of Christ to your community!