TRIUMPHING OVER TRAUMA
As a young child, Marjhoree endured more trauma and hardship than anyone should ever experience. Growing up with her mother and sister in Kansas City, Missouri, they were constantly on the run from her abusive father, who was eventually sent to prison for murdering another woman. They moved to California when Marjhoree was in fifth grade, but money was tight, and they were in and out of shelters. They then moved to Texas where her mother met and married a man her daughters barely knew. Having a stranger move into their home made Marjhoree feel even more distressed and powerless.
Marjhoree coped with her anger and frustration by lashing out and getting into trouble. She was diagnosed with several mental health conditions and attempted suicide twice. Her mother got divorced and they moved back to California hoping that a change in environment might help, but Marjhoree continued to act out due to her trauma. At 18, she began dating a young man who was in a gang, which was the last straw for her mother. With their relationship at the breaking point, she asked Marjhoree to leave.
After several nervous nights in co-ed emergency shelters, Marjhoree reached out to WISEPlace. In our safe and supportive environment, she met women from all ages and walks of life who were working to rebuild their lives. As she heard their stories, she was determined to create a different future for herself.
“It was a wake-up call. There were mothers who were victims of domestic violence who were trying to get away, who were missing their kids, and I realized that was what my mom was going through. Meeting these genuine souls at WISEPlace who were trying get back on the right path was inspiring.” – Marjhoree
Thanks to YOUR DONATIONS, we provided Marjhoree with a case manager, financial advisor, and mental health counselor to help her heal and work toward her goals. She began to reflect on how the trauma she experienced had impacted her whole family, especially her mother, which helped to repair and strengthen their relationship.
Today, Marjhoree is thriving. She and her husband are raising three beautiful children in a home of their own. She works as a recruiter and is going to college full-time to earn her BA degree in Psychology.
“WISEPlace kept me focused on my future and empowered me to see that I was so much more than my past. Thank you WISEPlace for the huge impact you had on my life and on the lives of so many women in our community!” – Marjhoree
How can you help?
When you support WISEPlace, you provide safe shelter solutions and empowering wrap-around services to unaccompanied women experiencing homelessness. Donate now to provide a caring community for those who call WISEPlace home.
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