Before Stephanie came to Human Options, she was a vibrant, adventurous, and artistic soul with the power to accomplish anything she set her mind to. But after entering an abusive relationship, everything changed. The abuse dimmed her light, and as a single mother, Stephanie’s primary concern shifted to her son, Jeff. She feared for his well-being, heartbroken over her inability to shield him from the pain she was enduring. Jeff, once a happy and carefree child, began showing signs of anxiety, unable to sleep due to the fears surrounding their new life, the changes in their home, and the uncertainty of their surroundings. Stephanie and Jeff had been living in a hotel, fleeing from the violence Stephanie had suffered. The physical, emotional, verbal, sexual, and financial abuse had pushed her to her breaking point. Determined to create a safe future for her son, Stephanie knew she could no longer stay in the toxic environment. She reached out to the Human Options hotline, and her journey toward safety and healing began.
While in our Emergency Shelter, Stephanie found a supportive community that helped her reclaim her sense of self. Despite the overwhelming challenges, Stephanie’s optimism remained steadfast, especially when it came to advocating for her son. Jeff, facing the anxiety of starting school in a new environment, struggled with the transition. But Stephanie was determined to make sure his needs were met. She worked tirelessly to communicate with the school and district, ensuring that his voice, and her own, was heard. Her advocacy efforts paid off. Stephanie found a school that aligned with Jeff’s unique needs, reducing his stress and allowing him to thrive. “Thank you so much for your assistance in making this happen and finding out about the Independent Study school. It makes a big difference for Jeff; he feels much less stressed,” Stephanie shared after the meeting with the school. Seeing her son finally feeling safe and excited about his education was a testament to Stephanie‘s strength and dedication.
Today, Stephanie and Jeff continue their healing journey through our transitional housing program. Stephanie‘s courage, resilience, and unrelenting advocacy for her son show just how strong a mother’s love can be. Through every challenge, Stephanie is reclaiming her light and creating a future of safety and opportunity for both herself and Jeff.
