This summer, I brought Sasha*, a survivor and alumna of our aftercare program, to the Survivor Restoration Campus. As we walked together toward the beautiful new Care Center and safehouse, she was overcome with emotion. She talked about her excitement for future survivors who would someday call it home -- that they would experience this program in a space where they would feel worthy and deserving. She was moved to tears, knowing that it would be the first step into a brighter future for so many.
As we move survivors into their new home and celebrate our first Christmas at the Survivor Restoration Campus, I am filled with anticipation. Sasha and I both know what’s to come:
There will be family dinners that build community.
There will be countless hours of therapy.
There will be applications for jobs and plans for independence.
There will be tears. There will be laughter.
And there will be hope.
Seeing where Sasha is today gives me hope for all the women moving in. It’s been a long road for them to get to ESTN, and though the journey will be hard, it’s a journey full of possibilities.
- Kelsey Mize
Director of Survivor Care
*Name and some details changed to protect confidentiality.