Courage in Motion - Rachel's Story

Rachel* spent 10 years in a marriage marked by physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. Even after she made the difficult decision to separate, the harassment did not stop. Her husband continued showing up at her home, yelling and pounding on the windows — reminding her that she and her children were still not safe. Realizing she could no longer protect her family on her own, Rachel began searching for help. That search led her to S.A.F.E. House.

With courage and determination, Rachel made the long trip to Albuquerque with her three children, hoping for a future free from violence. Even in the midst of crisis, she moved quickly to rebuild stability. Within two days of arriving at the shelter, she had enrolled her children in school. Within a week, she secured employment. From the very beginning, Rachel focused on creating a safe and independent life for her family.

During her short stay at S.A.F.E. House, Rachel worked closely with her case manager to replace what had been left behind when they fled. She received clothing for her family, assistance obtaining health insurance and vital documents, and help arranging childcare so she could begin working. Through partnerships with community organizations — including APS McKinney-Vento, NM Legal Aid, Safe at Home, and CARE, which provided temporary boarding for the family’s dog — Rachel was able to access the support she needed to move forward.

Because her husband had prevented her from working during their marriage, Rachel arrived with very limited financial resources. With assistance from Los Ojos de la Familia, she was able to qualify for housing and move into a home of her own in less than two weeks. Before leaving shelter, she also completed safety and financial planning to help ensure long-term stability. S.A.F.E. House provided food, bedding, kitchen supplies, and cleaning essentials so her family could begin this new chapter with dignity and security.

Today, Rachel and her children are building a life defined not by fear — but by safety, independence, and hope.

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When you support S.A.F.E. House, you make stories like Rachel's possible. Click here for some ways you can help us continue to shelter and empower victims of intimate partner domestic violence.

💜 Because everyone deserves to feel safe, supported, and free. 💜

*Names are always changed to protect privacy.