Support survivors escaping domestic violence

Dear Friends:

With your help, we're proving safe, confidential shelter to families experiencing domestic violence. Providing emergency shelter is the foundation of our work, but we definitely don't stop there. We offer a full range of programs to the families who live at Raphael House, including self-sufficiency programming like help with financial planning and resume writing, and healthy programming like yoga and gardening. One of our program participants wrote this account of her experiences recently, and we thought you might like to read it:

My name is Angie, and I owe my life to Raphael House of Portland.

I was with my ex, B, for 5 years. During that time he manipulated, drugged, financially devastated, neglected, strangled, and nearly killed me. The physical abuse was terrible, and the emotional damage was just as hurtful.

Eventually my family witnessed a horribly violent fight between me and B and filed a police report. Shortly after, I received a telephone call from Melissa, a Raphael House advocate stationed with the Portland Police. Although I couldn’t have known it then, the minute I had that phone conversation with Raphael House, my life was spared.

Melissa listened and provided endless resources, support, friendship, insight, and encouragement. With her help, I created a safety plan and left B for good. To me, Melissa is an actual angel who I respect, love, and trust with my life.

After I left B, Melissa connected me with Raphael House’s Transitional Housing program. They got me into my own apartment and found me clothing for job interviews, arranged for an eye appointment and contact lenses, and enrolled me in a program that will pay for dental work to repair damage from the abuse. At Raphael House’s Advocacy Center I’m participating in art therapy and job search assistance programs.

Raphael House saved my life – and now it’s enriching it.

We can't thank you enough for supporting women like Angie as they work to build safe, violence-free lives. They're growing every day, and - with your help - so is Raphael House.