Read Amani's Story

Amani* describes her life as a balancing act. Between working, raising kids and navigating a new culture and language, her life isn’t always easy.  

Still, she’s thankful. One year ago, she was living with her husband, whom she’s since divorced. While married, he prohibited her from driving, working, taking ESL classes or leaving home, and Amani felt isolated.  

“He wouldn’t even let me talk to my family,” she says. “I felt like I was out of options.”   

At one point, her husband threatened to force her to leave the U.S. Though Amani knew she needed to leave her abusive marriage, it was unclear how she would land on her feet after the divorce. 

“After we separated, I had nothing. No job or housing. I felt desperate. I was even ready to start standing on the street and asking for money,” she says. 

Amani was able to live at her friend’s house for over a month. During that time, she reached out to ACCESS for support.   

“They helped me with food assistance benefits and securing income,” she says.   

In addition, ACCESS also helped Amani find housing and build a resume to apply for jobs. Since divorcing her husband and getting help, Amani secured a job at a school and got her license.

Today, she feels happier, more secure, and better able to care for her children.

You can support domestic violence survivors like Amani in leaving abusive conditions by making a donation to our domestic violence prevention fundraiser: bit.ly/BelieveInMe21.

*Name changed to protect client privacy.
 

Only Four Days Left to Make a Change

Our Believe in Me: Domestic Violence Prevention fundraiser is coming to an end, and we only have four more days to reach our fundraising goal. Every dollar we raise will go directly to providing life-saving resources and services to domestic violence survivors and their children.

Your generous donation will ensure survivors, many of whom are single mothers, have access to the resources and services they need to create safe and healthy homes for themselves and their families. If we work together, we can make a difference. Your donation will directly fund the following:

• Legal aid and services
• Transitional housing and rental assistance
• Basic needs including food, baby formula, toiletries, diapers and clothing
• Access to medical services
• Furniture and bedding
• Educational materials including school supplies