“My mom was mentally ill and abusive. She shouldn’t have had any kids, but she had nine of us. I thought one of my brothers or my sister would die . . . I lived in fear,” says Katrina.

“In college, I met someone and got married. As soon as he knew I was there to stay, the abuse started. He even punched me in the stomach when I was pregnant. I thought he was trying to kill our baby. You can’t have self-respect and be mentally and physically abused every day. 

“When I came to Hope Place (Women and Children's Shelter) . . . it was divine intervention. I knew I was supposed to be here. I love the Alpha classes, the Bible classes, and helping others as a domestic violence support intern. 

“As Christians and survivors of domestic abuse, we need to let young women know what a safe person is; they don’t have to stay in abuse. You can’t change your past. But you can change somebody’s future. That’s my goal and my purpose that God showed me.” 

You can give a second chance at life for a woman like Katrina. Your support will also provide a sense of family, a safe refuge, and the opportunity for individuals to discover the possibility of a transformed life.