Quotes/Success Stories

"I am so thankful for DVC and all the help that's out there."-victim

Coming to this group has helped me through rough times, helped me get strong enough to do what I needed to, and gave me hope!" -support group member

Coming to this group has helped me realize that I'm not alone and that leaving was the best thing for my kids and I" -support group member

Coming to this group has helped me recognize the severity in what was really happening"-support group member

Coming to this group has helped me with realizing I am not alone in my difficulties"-support group member

"I love this place. It's great and it is helping me get my life together. Thank God for places like this." - shelter resident

"I love this place and it is great to feel like I've survived." - shelter resident

If you had three wishes, what would they be? One wish is for new shoes. -Boy, age 8 during his intake

Cool, new underwear! Look, mom, I have underwear now! -Boy, age 6 as he received a My Stuff Bag of personal items upon entering shelter

When asked why she was at shelter, a six-year old girl answered, 'I'm here because I love my mommy.'

I know why we can't tell anyone where the shelter is - because the people here are abused and people might want to find them to hurt them.-Boy, age 7 upon his arrival at shelter

Mom, let's just not let anybody in the house.-Boy, age 5 after leaving his home for the second time because the abuser found them

Coming to shelter made me feel safe and happy and loved again.-Boy, age 5

We almost got evicted one time because my mom and her boyfriend were arguing. I'd yell, 'Stop arguing before we lose our place, ma!'-Boy, age 8

I don't want to go. I want to stay at this house.-Boy, age 5 as he spoke with an advocate the day he was going to move from shelter to a new house

I want to go to group! Is there group tonight?-Girl, age 6 daily asking to go to group where she can safely express her feelings & participate in fun activities, while at the same time gaining valuable information and education

We have to be careful being here because my daddy might try to kidnap me.-Girl, age 6 talking about her fear of being kidnapped again as her father had already taken her from her mother once

When asked why she was at shelter, a nine-year old girl answered, 'I am here with my mom because John hit her.' (name has been changed)

When asked to name a time she did not feel safe, a nine-year old girl answered, 'When I lived in my old house.'

When asked how she felt when there was fighting in her home, a six-year old girl answered, 'I'd cry, feel nothing except pain.'

When asked why she was at shelter, a six-year old girl answered, 'I'm here with my mom because she protects me.'

When asked what could she do to become safe and keep from getting hurt, a six-year old girl answered, 'Hug my teddy bear, don't look, and close my eyes and go to sleep.'

In commenting about the youth support group: "I can be with kids who've been through what I've been through."