A Leap of Faith Built on Broken Promises
In her early 30s, Harmony took a leap of faith that turned into her worst nightmare. She followed her husband, the father of her three young children, to the DC Region. He told her that their move was an opportunity for a better life. He said he would no longer have to leave her alone for long stretches. It would mean a steady job, and a house they could own.
When Harmony arrived in Maryland, she found out that the happily ever after she was promised didn’t match the reality of her current situation. There was no steady job, no home of their own. Day-to-day life with the man she thought she loved was not hopeful—it was hateful. Verbal abuse quickly turned to gaslighting and then physical abuse.
Escaping Abuse to Protect Her Family
Trapped by her lack of resources, but terrified that if she stayed with her husband, he would harm her children, Harmony managed to escape. Leaving eased her concerns for their physical safety, but the emotional and psychological trauma of the abuse and uncertainty about her ability to survive remained. Harmony worried constantly about how she could take care of her children without a support system.
Recovery and safety came in the form of NCCF’s Betty’s House, a peaceful place for mothers and their children to escape from domestic abuse and reconstruct their families.
Finding Safety and a New Path Forward
When Harmony’s NCCF Case Manager met her on a sunny morning in the undisclosed location where she and her children would be living for the next few months, Harmony saw a new path forward for her family. Along with providing Harmony a safe place to live, NCCF was able to immediately connect Harmony with an attorney, who, free of charge, helped her understand her legal options and acquire necessary documents that her husband was withholding. Harmony enrolled in an information technology program and graduated with zero debt, thanks to financial assistance from NCCF’s donors. She was immediately hired for a well-paying job by a local company.
Harmony’s next big move was into a home that she purchased. As she was getting ready to leave Betty’s House, she went to NCCF’s Dr. C’s Boutique to shop for housewares and furniture to put the finishing touches on her children’s new bedrooms!
Rebuilding a Joyful Life and a Community
Betty’s House gave Harmony the time and space she needed to rest and rebuild. She formed new friendships within the program and at work and even began volunteering. All this helped Harmony feel she has a community to rely on in tough times and the confidence to make her dreams come true.
