Bernice and her two daughters are enrolled in our Adopt-A-Family program for the Holiday Project this year.
Bernice, 37, was introduced to HOPE Coalition six years ago through her therapist at Catholic Charities Counseling Services. Bernice was married with two girls – then ages five and seven – and lived on a farm in rural Goodhue County. Over the years, her husband had grown more and more abusive.
What started out as verbal and emotional abuse early on in their marriage has escalated to physical and financial abuse. He wouldn’t let Bernice get a job, make friends, talk to her family, or even leave the farm without his permission. He wouldn’t let her have a driver’s license, and even limited their daughter’s participation in after school activities.
Bernice originally started visiting a therapist to deal with severe depression and anxiety. After confiding in her therapist about what was going on at home, her therapist suggested she begin attending the battered women’s support group. The group was during the time her husband was at work, and free childcare was provided, so after working out transportation issues Bernice attended weekly.
Over the past six years, Bernice’s confidence has grown. She is ready to leave her husband and start a new life for herself and her daughters. Through the help of HOPE Coalition, she enrolled her girls in Kids Count, got her driver’s license in 2010, found employment at a fast-food restaurant, overcame her fear of the unknown, and began looking for an apartment of her own. Statistically, the most dangerous time for an abused woman is when she leaves her abuser. Bernice is taking precautions and has a safety plan in place.
Although Bernice is currently working, paying the bills is still a struggle. This past year, HOPE Coalition helped Bernice purchase back-to-school clothing and winter coats for her girls, provided a couple of gas vouchers for her to get to work, and helped her locate resources so she could enroll in on-line coursework through a local college.
Bernice’s journey to safety is ongoing, but HOPE Coalition can help make her road a little easier. You can aid this effort by participating in our holiday gift giving program for those in need. Many levels of participation are available – from purchasing one gift to adopting an entire family. For more information please contact Staci at 651-388-9360, x 19. We truly appreciate your support!