From Crisis to Recovery: Our Success Stories

JM came into the shelter the first week of June due to her husbands physical and verbal abuse to her and her dog. MHH was able to utilize our partnership with RedRover to get her dog boarded until we found her safe housing. While JM was in shelter, our Court Victim Advocate was able to help her start the paperwork to obtain an order of protection as well as get her divorce started. JM found employment within her first week at the shelter as a manager for a retail store. The advocates helped her with all HUD and Capca paperwork for housing. JM attended support groups and learned how to better equip herself against narcissists and how to see the redflags. Towards the end of the month of June, she found an apartment and moved in. She picked her dog up from the boarding place June 30th. Even though her HUD has not be finalized yet, JM is optimistic that she will not need it since she found a good job. JM came into the shelter ready to be a survivor and not a victim and she utilized every resource that she was offered and it proved extremely helpful and beneficial in her case.

SV and her 7 yo daughter arrived at MHH bearing the emotional and physical scars of years of abuse. From the beginning, S.V immersed herself in our supportive community, attending every support group and finding solace in her church activities. A crucial step in her journey was obtaining an Order of Protection. With our court advocacy services' support, S.V was able to navigate the legal system, securing the OOP that provided necessary security for her and her daughter. Housing stability was another hurdle. MHH housing coordinated assisted her in applying for HUD and Housing Authority Programs. S.V.'s determination, coupled withe MHH support, brought her closer to a stable, independent life. S.V secure housing the first part of June. Today, S.V remains active in her church and services and still attends support groups at MHH. Through our program, she not only escaped the cycle of abuse but also built a foundation for a brighter future. Her daughter is happy and smiling more.

S.A. faced numerous challenges when she first entered our shelter. Carrying both emotional and physical traumas from her past, she also had pressing medical concerns. A significant health complication arose due to her diabetes, which required her to undergo foot surgery. This medical need emphasized the importance of stability and safety even more. While dealing with her own recovery, S.A. ensured her two daughters continued their education through online virtual schooling. One of our advocates was able to assist her in the enrollment process. The virtual environment allowed her children to keep their studies consistent and uninterrupted, providing them a sense of normalcy amidst the changes. Our housing coordinator helped her apply for HUD and get all her documentation together. S.A was approved through HUD where her rent is 100% covered, which she said "is a huge burden off my shoulders since I can not walk around as good". She moved into their apartment on 08/01/2023. S.A was also able to secure SNAP and medical benefits for both her and her children.

SK found herself trapped in a cycle of fear and abuse, with her life constantly under threat. Despite the danger, she hesitated to leave because of her two beloved dogs, whom she couldn't bear to abandon. However, with the compassionate support of advocates at Margie's Haven House, her worries were eased as we arranged for her dogs to be safely boarded at a local vet clinic, courtesy of the partnership with RedRover. Once her dogs were safe and taken care of, SK made the courageous decision to seek refuge here at the shelter in early January. SK was determined to rebuild her life and she became fully engaged in every support group available, focusing on her healing journey. Sk was empowered by the guidance of our advocates and she took proactive steps applying for government assistance which resulted in securing vital food assistance and insurance. She was able to continue her current employment with minimal days missed. Our housing coordinator provided invaluable assistance in navigating the complex process of securing stable housing. With all her support, SK successfully filled out housing referrals, and was approved for a house March 1. Sk was able to utilize our partnerships with New Life Church and was able to furnish her new house. SK picked her dogs up March 4th and has still come to every Tuesday night support group. She said that if it was not for Margie's Haven House, she would probably be dead because she thought she was all alone in her situation.