Julie’s Story

Julie was in an abusive relationship for years. When she called out of work one day and showed up the next battered and bruised, her supervisor Marcella realized she was in danger. Marcella opened her home to Julie that night, and Julie was able to spend her first night away from her abuser in years.

A few days later, Marcella introduced Julie and her two-year-old son Jayden to her good friend Jeanne. Because of her own experiences as a single mother, Jeanne had a heart for helping women in similar situations to restore their families. She opened her home to Julie and Jayden and invited them to live with her until they were able to find a more stable situation. As she tells it, Julie was still dealing with mountains of uncertainty:

“I didn’t know where the future was taking me because I didn’t know how long I would be there, how long the process would be, when I would find my own place, or if I was ever going to find my own place.

But at Jeanne’s house they treated me like family. The whole family is wonderful, and I couldn’t have asked for a better family to stay with. They really helped to make me who I am today. I was trying to find myself through this whole process and find out who I am as a mother and as a woman in every way possible.”

Jeanne and Marcella scheduled weekly meetings with Julie to support her journey toward independence. Julie was working two jobs while completing her associate’s degree in nutrition. Every week, she set goals, and every week, she strove to accomplish them. Together, the women helped Julie create a budget, attend counseling sessions, and parent Jayden.

“Being with Jeanne definitely helped me grow as a parent. She gave me so many tips and helped me learn to be patient. I learned that not everything lasts forever and that another person is not going to bring me happiness-—I have to find happiness within myself and with God. 

Now, I am more confident. I feel like I don’t have to be in a bad relationship anymore. I am so much better than that, and I deserve so much better than that. I now know the signs and what to look for, what’s right and what’s not right. I feel powerful.”

Julie continues to persevere. She is pursuing her dream of becoming a registered dietician and has been promoted in the dietary department where she works as she continues her education. She and Jayden now live in an apartment of their own, and she and Jeanne remain good friends. Because Julie had support and a plan, she was able to heal, establish independence, and make good choices for her bright future.

“I feel more prepared for life because now I feel like I have what it takes to raise a child. Whereas before I was so dependent on my ex, I didn’t think I could do it on my own. Now that I have my own place, it’s given me confidence and made me realize I really can do it.”