Stories of Survival
When women and Circle of Love unite, lives are changed.
I found Circle of Love at the most critical time of my life.
By Carla
I found Circle of Love at the most critical time of my life. By the time I was given their phone number, my ex-husband already had one FDV charge (that was ultimately dropped so my kids and I could move back to Georgia), I had filed 7 additional police reports and filed for divorce twice. Nothing seemed to work and he kept harassing and threatening me, and I finally gave up.
I felt so defeated, and I gave in. I allowed him to be a part of our life. I felt if he thought our marriage would survive, I could at least control his access to my children, which was the only thing I cared about.
Things got significantly worse and I knew I had to get myself and my children out of the situation and safe. I was terrified to completely cut him off because I was so afraid of the destruction that he would cause, and I was in no way mentally prepared for that type of battle. He attacked me one final time and I knew there was a chance I could not survive.
The next day I was given Circle of Love’s phone number. I had one sobbing phone call with Paula as I sat on the side of the interstate. I was in her office two hours later. For the first time, I spoke with someone who truly understood what I was dealing with. She understood every decision I had made that led me to that point. And, above all, there was never an ounce of judgement. All of my shame and guilt that I had been carrying went away. She wrote my TPO and sent me to the courthouse for the Judge’s signature. I was ultimately granted a 12 month TPO, that can be extended indefinitely.
“And, above all, there was never an ounce of judgement.”
Most importantly, he can have absolutely zero contact with me or my children. Having the TPO in place saved me. I felt strong leaving Circle of Love for the first time in years. Having that order in place allowed me the space I needed to heal, prepare and move forward with my life without the harassment, threats and constant battles that were always promised to me. I can’t say enough about Circle of Love, and how incredibly special they are to me. Paula saved my life when she answered my phone call that day and I am eternally grateful God sent me there.
– Carla
Through Circle of Love I feel like I can finally catch my breath.
By Tracy
About 7 years ago, my world was rocked upside down. The person I loved became the person I was afraid of. Thinking back, now I see the time line of how things slowly progressed from bad to worse. Maybe I couldn’t see it then, maybe I didn’t want to, maybe I was in denial… either way, the man that I loved turned into someone I didn’t know while I wasn’t looking.
With the help of Circle of Love I was able to keep my home and I was able to keep myself and my kids safe from a person we never imagined we would be afraid of.
It hasn’t been easy… year after year of protection orders followed by day after day of my children asking impossible questions that I will never have the answers to. I still look over my shoulder and I still don’t let my kids out of my sight.
“Taking the first step was the hardest part, but my advocate from the Circle of Love stayed with me the entire time.”
Through Circle of Love I feel like I can finally catch my breath – I had been holding it for so long it nearly cost me my life, and my kids their mom.
Taking the first step was the hardest part, but my advocate from the Circle of Love stayed with me the entire time. Every court date, every scare, every hard time and now I am blessed to call her a friend.
Please, if you find yourself in a similar situation, tip toe if you must…but take the first step. I promise you the Circle of Love will lend you the strength that you feel you don’t have enough of on your own. They changed my life and I am forever grateful.
– Tracy
Circle of Love offered me a new beginning.
By Valerie
I came to Greensboro, GA on March 30, 2011 at approximately 11pm that Friday. This is a day I will never forget. It was the day my baby boy went to be with the Lord. He was only 24 years old and he was MY baby. That was such a painful time in my life that left a permanent hole in my heart and I will never be the same. I came to the Circle of Love that night. I had never been to a place like that, but I knew I needed help to get my life back together. I had been in a very abusive marriage for over 29 years with a lot of drama and drugs. Not only was my husband addicted to drugs, I had also been struggling with drugs on and off for 20 years. I was broken, depressed and sad.
“Circle of Love showed me that I am somebody.”
After 30 days at the shelter, I didn’t know what I was going to do. I was still so overwhelmed. Circle of Love is a 30-day shelter, by the grace of God (and extensions filed), I was able to stay there for 8 months! During that time, I worked hard on my program. Circle of Love helped me get a divorce and a job. Not only did I get a job, I got 3 jobs! And with the help of Circle of Love I was able to get a home through HABITAT. I am proud to say I am still living in that beautiful home today.
Circle of Love gave me a new beginning. I am very grateful for everyone who helped me heal and move forward with my life. Miss Bonnie, the Shelter Director, is like a mother to me. Circle of Love showed me that I am somebody. I know that I can do all things through Christ Jesus that strengthens me. I am truly blessed to have been a part of the Circle of Love family. And that is what they are–FAMILY. Circle of Love is and always will be “My Family”.
-Valerie
I needed a safe place and someone told me about Circle of Love.
By Nicole
I would like to express my gratitude for my experience while staying at Circle of Love. I was in a domestic violence situation that lead me to be homeless and afraid. I needed a safe place for me and my daughters to stay. Someone told me about Circle of Love.
After getting off work, my daughters and I went to Circle of Love. Right away I felt comfortable and safe with the intake staff. She was kind, patient and very understanding. They were kind to my children and helped us settle in. I already had a job when I got there, but I didn’t have a car. The staff made sure I got to work on time every day. Because I had just started a job, I didn’t have money for food or even the basic necessities. Circle of Love totally took care of all that for us. We ate well and had fresh wash cloths, towels, toothpaste, shampoo, lotion and even clothes.
“Circle of Love took care of us – all of us.”
I could go on and on, but I will make this short. Circle of Love took care of us – all of us. Leaving was bitter-sweet. We were eager to have a place of our own, but we knew we would miss the safety and protection of Circle of Love. Upon leaving, Circle of Love blessed us again. They helped me pay the necessary deposits and provided us with a house full of furniture and toiletries. It was truly amazing! I am so grateful and will never forget them.
I am so happy that we have a place like Circle of Love to help victims like us. I am forever thankful to the staff who loved and took care of us. A million thanks to you all!
God bless.
-Nicole