NEWS - Domestic Violence & Sexual Abuse Services

Journal: Christine's Story

24/7 HELP LINE 707.255.NEWS (6397)

Post Christmas coma? Still want to celebrate? This is it! There's less than one week left to join others who are making their commitment to end domestic and sexual violence in our community. Know that when you donate to NEWS, your donation goes a long way to helping our survivors:

$10 buys a hot meal for a victim filing a police report.

$50 secures a survivor’s safety plan with a prepaid go-phone and minutes.

$100 helps a survivor attend a therapy session.

We are so close to making our end-of-year goals and we need YOU to help close the gap!

Tracy Lamb, NEWS Executive Director

One of the families we sheltered this year was “Christine” and her two children. Christine had been in an emotionally, verbally, and financially abusive marriage for over 10 years. Her breaking point came when her husband started installing cameras inside their house so that he could monitor her throughout the day while he was at work. Christine knew she could no longer live this way.

When she came into the NEWS office for help, she was ready to make changes. She knew she did not feel safe returning to her home, so she was immediately connected to the Shelter for an intake. She and the children moved into shelter that same afternoon. They were provided with emergency clothing, food, toiletries, and comfort items, such as soft blankets and stuffed animals, for the children.

Christine’s priority was obtaining a Restraining Order, and, with the help of our Court Advocates she was granted one. Once this was complete, she was able to safely return to the home to retrieve clothing and personal items for herself and her children. She was willing to leave everything else behind and wanted only to focus on creating a new life free from abuse.

Christine worked with the NEWS Shelter Case Manager to make a list of goals for her stay with us. She had spent a lot of time thinking about this new chapter in her life and was very motivated. Her main goal was to get employment. Her husband had not allowed her to work outside the home during their marriage. This was one of the ways he controlled her and kept her dependent on him. Despite having been unemployed for over 10 years, it took no time for Christine to obtain a job. Her determination was apparent to everyone she met.

The NEWS Housing Advocates began to work with Christine once she had an income. She was nervous and excited at the prospect of having her own home. There were a few bumps in the road along the way, but she stayed optimistic.

When she finally found out that she had gotten one of the apartments she’d applied for, she was ecstatic. Her dream of providing her children with a safe and supportive home had finally come true.

Looking for something festive to do after the holiday? Head over to the Meritage Resort and Spa TODAY and choose from a variety of activities, like ice skating, s’mores fire pit, private igloo rentals, story time with Santa, and of course all the wonders of the Napa Valley (wine and good food)! NEWS will be gifted 5% of all proceeds from the day’s activities! So, plan a day of fun with friends and family, head on over to the Meritage Resort and Spa, and support NEWS!

For more information about their events, check out the Merry Meritage Holiday Ice Rink & Winter Village.

If you are experiencing abuse or would just like some information, please call our help line, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

THANKFUL FOR OUR SUPPORTERS!

Are you a local business passionate about supporting survivors? To learn how you can become a NEWS Community Champion sponsor, check out our website HERE!