Inspirations

In Their Own Words...

Read client experiences about surviving domestic violence

Nighttime in the Shelter

...a description by Katy Carris, Third-Shift

Executive's Letter

From the Fall 2009 Olive Branch

My Helpmate Story

When I first arrived at Helpmate, I felt scared and all alone. I was stressed because of the circumstances that brought me to seek shelter and help overcoming a way of life. I felt like all the bad things that had happened were my fault. The guilt had taken over my life. I had not learned to take control of my life and make it better. Helpmate staff gave me the tools to increase my feelings of self worth. If it hadn’t been for Helpmate, I would probably have been dead by now. They have helped me to see that things have happened to me in the past and present that were not my fault. They have taught me to love myself and know that I am a good person. Even my kids have seen the change in me while I was at Helpmate. I want people to know that Helpmate is a wonderful organization and has helped many others as well as me. During my stay at Helpmate, the staff treated me with respect and kindness. They gave me piece of mind and courage to believe in myself and take care of myself and look forward to my future. All of the staff at Helpmate gave me the feeling that they were here to help better the lives of clients and working here was not “just a job” to them. This is one of the best organizations that I have ever seen. Helpmate will always have a special place in my heart.