When Ms. M’s parents divorced when she was 19, the world as she knew it fell apart. As the eldest sister of six children, Ms. M stepped up to raise her two youngest brothers and take care of her grieving mother. Her father abandoned her emotionally and abused her mentally and verbally, which intensified the toxic family environment.
Despite the stress at home, Ms. M earned her college degree and was training to become a teacher when her mother was diagnosed with breast cancer. Once again, Ms. M put her life aside to care for her mother as she went through treatment. When her mother had recovered and her brothers were thriving, she decided to move to Florida to begin her career and an independent life.
On her own in a new city, Ms. M was not able to maintain housing on her limited income as a preschool teacher and she cycled in and out of homelessness. Adding to her trauma, she was a victim of domestic violence and suffered from malnutrition and financial instability. Thankfully, a local women’s center provided her with emotional support, mental health counseling, and treatment. The positive experience inspired her to start a non-profit group dedicated to empowering women and helping them to heal from trauma.
After years of ups and downs in Florida, Ms. M decided to return to California. She received a job transfer, but her income was not enough to cover housing. For several weeks, she slept in her car, a tent, or through local Airbnbs. Then Ms. M came to WISEPlace.
At WISEPlace, we offer safe shelter and vital wraparound services to help women get back on their feet with support. We provided Ms. M with shelter, counseling, financial planning, and clothing. We also helped her with car repairs and with DMV paperwork for it. In our supportive environment, she was able to focus on healing and working toward her goals.
“I learned healthy boundaries and standards at WISEPlace. To speak up for myself and not just go along with what someone else wants. I learned that I can show people how I want to be treated through my reactions to them and not be oppressed.” – Ms. M
Ms. M soon moved to our Positive Step House, a small group home where she paid rent and continued to receive services. When COVID-19 hit, Ms. M was furloughed from her job, but ultimately returned to work, continued to save, and moved into a shared home in April 2021.
Today, Ms. M works two jobs and is saving for an apartment of her own. She is an aspiring entrepreneur and continues to empower women through her non-profit group. She prioritizes health and wellness and focus on exercises, good nutrition, meditation, and prayer to stay a well-balanced person.
“WISEPlace provided me with a feeling of belongingness, stability, and compassion. As a survivor of domestic violence, severe poverty, and malnutrition, I know how important it is to embrace and empower women in need. Thank you WISEPlace for supporting me to continue my independent journey.” –Ms. M
How can you help?
When you support WISEPlace, you provide safe shelter solutions and empowering wraparound services to unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. Donate now to provide a caring community for those who call WISEPlace home.
