Laura never expected things to get that bad.

Just last year, she felt on top of the world – a happy wife and proud mother of two vibrant young children, living in a spacious apartment filled with precious memories. There was so much to look forward to.

Then everything changed.

Her husband began abusing her, first emotionally, then physically. She kept telling herself that things would get better, that the man she married would return, and that she could reclaim the life she loved.

But the abuse only worsened. It began to affect the kids. With courage, Laura made the heart-wrenching decision that many women in crisis face. Through help from a domestic violence agency, she found a small apartment nearby and took the kids with her.

While they were safe, their sense of stability was gone, and the post-traumatic stress from the abuse lingered. Laura owed back rent on her old apartment, and the power at their new place hadn’t even been turned on. Feeling alone, defeated, and overwhelmed, she wondered, “Did I do the right thing?”

Laura reached out to Catholic Charities NH. And for the first time in a long time, she gained a sense of hope.

We advocated on her behalf with the electric company, setting up a payment plan to get the lights on. Now, the kids can do their homework at the kitchen table and watch their favorite television show. And Laura could cook dinner, do laundry, and be the amazing mom she is, knowing she is beyond crisis and well on her way toward a stable footing. We continue to work her on managing a household budget, identifying ways to avoid future providing the emotional support she needs to keep moving forward.

Laura was brave and courageous for what she did. But no one in her shoes should have to face that journey alone.

And thanks to CCNH donors, she smiles knowing she has the compassion and support of an entire community of goodwill behind her.