Jane had thought many times about leaving her alcoholic husband of over twenty years. She and her two young children, Krista and Kyle, were victims of severe emotional and financial abuse perpetrated by a husband and father who was supposed to love and take care of them. Instead, he refused to provide enough money for food and clothing, never attended any school or sports activities in which the children were involved, and was hardly ever present when home, as he spent all of his free time in his workshop. Krista and Kyle always had to be quiet, and were forbidden to have any friends over to their home.
Jane came to Safe Home right before Christmas, seeking assistance with divorce, child support, and custody issues. At that time, Safe Home staff did safety planning with her and referred her to an attorney. Krista and Kyle were enrolled in child therapy, which is paid for through Adams County United Way funding. The following month, Jane presented in crisis after her husband punched a hole in the wall in front of his family.
At that point in time, Safe Home was able to help Jane with a security deposit on a new residence for her and her children. Both children continued in therapy to help them cope with issues arising from the divorce and custody cases. Safe Home was able to approve extra counseling hours for the children due to their fear of testifying during the custody hearing.
Jane has reported that the children are flourishing in their new environment, and was grateful for the therapy which helped them through the adjustment period and all of the court proceedings. This story might not have had such a happy ending without the support offered by United Way of Adams County.