Before joining Human Options, Talia was residing with her abuser and had recently given birth to her sixth child. At this juncture, the severity and danger of the abuse necessitated a difficult decision between staying in her home or risking homelessness for herself and her children. Talia demonstrated remarkable strength and courage in prioritizing her and her children’s safety as she carefully assessed the best course of action to ensure their well-being.
Talia’s brother-in-law, an advocate for people with alcoholism, influenced her journey to Human Options. She feared his reaction but was relieved when he believed her. His support helped Talia seek help and remove her children from danger. That evening, she called Human Options for assistance.
When Talia arrived at the shelter, she was understandably overwhelmed by the challenges of caring for her six children while navigating an uncertain situation. However, her resilience shone through as she gradually settled into the routine and found ways to manage her time more effectively. Talia’s increasing involvement in group activities and her engagement with her advocates demonstrated her commitment to personal growth and achieving her goals. One of the most noticeable shifts in Talia’s journey was her growing confidence, especially after successfully securing a restraining order with the support of our legal advocates. For the first time, Talia felt a sense of relief and security, allowing her to focus more on herself and her children’s well-being.
Talia is still utilizing Human Options services and is part of our permanent housing program after successfully transitioning from our emergency shelter. During her time with us, she set a significant goal for herself: securing a car. Talia worked diligently, saving money throughout her stay in the shelter, to make this goal a reality. Her determination and hard work continue to propel her forward as she strives to achieve greater independence.
Before her departure, Talia stopped by the Hotline office and cheerfully described her new home as spacious, allowing her children a sense of privacy they hadn’t experienced in years. With optimism shining brightly, Talia saw this step as a new beginning for her family, filled with hope and a future free from violence and fear.
