Before arriving at Human Options, Hilary was a devoted stay-at-home mother, nurturing her two children with love and care. Her life, however, was overshadowed by ongoing abuse at the hands of her husband. Despite her quiet strength, the abuse took a heavy toll, emotionally, mentally, and physically. Hilary’s journey to Human Options was marked by unimaginable courage. After surviving a life-threatening attack by her abuser Hilary continued to seek safety. A social service agency referred her to Human Options, where she connected with a Hotline Advocate who listened, supported, and ultimately approved her for shelter. This moment marked a turning point in Hilary’s life.
When Hilary first entered the shelter, she was emotionally exhausted and visibly overwhelmed, still processing the trauma she had endured. But as she settled into the shelter and began engaging, a transformation began. A renewed sense of energy and joy emerged, especially in her interactions with her children. The shelter became a space where healing could take root.
Hilary has actively worked with her case manager to address her health concerns, including accessing dental care through a community partnership, and participated in our Children’s Program, where she continues learning new parenting strategies and de-escalation techniques to support her son during challenging moments.
Today, Hilary continues her journey to healing, working closely with her team to plan for stable housing and employment. Her resilience and determination shine through every step she takes. Hilary shared with our advocate, “I feel empowered. I feel like a survivor.” Her commitment to growth is evident not only in her own progress but in the strengthened bond she shares with her children.
