Gender Equality United States Project #7336

Support survivors escaping domestic violence

by Raphael House of Portland

Support survivors escaping domestic violence

Project Report | Nov 20, 2023
Meet Fey and her family

By Quinn Wilson | Development Manager

We’re honored to introduce Fey and her children! Your gifts help us provide hundreds of families like theirs with life-changing support in the wake of domestic violence.

Three years ago, I left my abusive ex and came to Raphael House’s shelter with my kids. It was the first step in taking my life back. But no one can do this alone, and Raphael House makes sure I don’t have to.

My advocates have been there since day one – even after they helped us get into an apartment we love! Like this spring, when my hours got cut at work and everything dominoed… I started doing food delivery while my teen watched her brother. But then our car broke down, and I couldn’t make rent.

I was terrified my ex would get custody of the kids if we got evicted. So I called my Housing Advocate, Xander. They helped with emergency funds, and even hand delivered our rent check to get it paid on time. It’s not easy suddenly being a single parent, so their support is a huge relief.

My big goal is to be a medical assistant, and Xander also helped me start my training. It’ll be better pay, consistent hours, and less childcare worries.

My daughter watches her brother a lot, so hoping my new job will let her be a kid more. Like this summer when she went on a 4-day kayaking trip with her Youth Advocates from Raphael House and LEAP Wilderenss Programs. I felt like a mama bird letting their baby fly – but I knew she’d be safe with her advocates. She came home so proud!

Some days, it’s a struggle to keep my family afloat. But I know that we can get through it because of the trust I’ve built in myself, and with the support of my advocates. Thank you for being a part of this, because it’s truly changed our lives!

-Fey + kids

Identifying details changed to protect confidentiality.

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