Cheyenne Shares Her Journey...

In October 2025, we were privileged to have a former shelter resident as our guest speaker for the Midsummer Night's Dream Gala event. Cheyenne told her story eloquently -- and honestly.

She has given us permission to share her words...

"My name is Cheyenne. I'm here today as living proof that healing is possible when you're given the right support. I owe that to S.A.F.E. House.

"Not too long ago, my life looked very different. I was the victim of domestic violence. I was in a six year long abusive relationship. It was a situation that left me feeling trapped, afraid, and unsure of who I was anymore. When I finally found the courage to leave, I didn't know what would come next. I had nowhere to go, no family or support system, and I was both emotionally and physically exhausted. 

"That's when I found S.A.F.E. House, and it truly changed everything for me.

"They gave me what I needed most in that moment — safety. They provided a warm bed, a hot meal, and people who actually cared about me, not because they had to, but because they wanted to help me rebuild my life.

"They helped me find job opportunities, connected me with therapy, and they reminded me that I still had worth, even after everything I had been through. It wasn't easy. Healing never is. But for the first time in a long time, I had hope.

"Therapy helped me face what I'd been through and start to understand that what happened to me wasn't my fault. The support they provided helped me regain my independence and confidence. Having food, shelter, and a safe space gave me the stability I needed to focus on building my future, not just surviving day by day. 

"Today, I can proudly say that I'm a success story of this program. I'm building a life that I once thought was impossible. Most importantly, I'm no longer defined by my past. I'm defined by my strength and the community that helped me stand back up. 

"To everyone who supports programs like this, thank you. What you're doing saves lives. You didn't just give me a bed or a meal, you gave me back my sense of self, my dignity, and my future. 

"I am here today because S.A.F.E. House believed in me when I couldn't believe in myself. And now, I get to pay that forward by sharing my story, in hope that it inspires someone else to take that first step towards safety and healing."