"....I would like to thank you so much for helping me. I now have the order of protection, have finally gotten out of my domestic violence situation and have my life back. You were a ray of hope in what seemed like a hopeless situation"

Note from a client to the Court Advocate that assisted her

"Thank you so much for putting up with me. I know soon I'll be back on both feet! Your support and kindness has given me hope!"

Resident of Safe Harbor Shelter

"Sue Smith stopped in at the Precinct today, wanted us to know you are wonderful! You really helped her and she's very appreciative"

Note from Precinct Lieutenant to the SCCADV Precinct Advocate

(Client's name changed to protect identity)

I would like to share my success story with you. I have come a long way in my journey in feeling whole again, and I owe it all to The Suffolk County Coalition Against Domestic Violence. I am currently in the final stages of divorce after having been verbally abused for seven months before I was able to leave my home with my two kids. Throughout that time, I resorted to calling the police just to stop the abuse on several occasions. They gave me the hotline to contact the Coalition Against Domestic Violence with each police report, but for some reason I didn't think my situation was that drastic.

I remember thinking at one point that I much rather be beaten than told how stupid and crazy I was, being screamed at in my face and manipulated, and made to feel worthless. When it got to where I realized how deeply my kids were being affected by the abuse, I decided to make the phone call just to talk to someone. The hotline listened to me and referred me to the counseling department. I started counseling in order to try to understand my abuser, and learn what I could do for my kids and myself to make the best of the situation. I have come a long way since then in my thinking, and learned that less is more when dealing with my ex-husband. I have also learned the best ways to reach out to my kids to explain and help them through setbacks. I want to thank the staff at the coalition for treating me so kindly and professionally, and for all the services they provided to my family. I feel like I have been able to take control of my life again, and am able to be a better mom. The services are exceptional, and anyone in my situation would highly benefit from them.

Sincerely,
Beth

I am writing to extend my appreciation and gratitude to SCCADV for allowing me the opportunity to receive counseling support at your center.

I remember so clearly how nervous I was when I first called for assistance and was given the confidential directions to your center. I was greeted by the receptionist who buzzed me in. She would continue to greet me each week with the same smile and comfort she did the night of my first appointment.

When I began my sessions with my counselor, I knew it would be difficult but I wanted to feel a sense of peace in my life, increase my self confidence and overcome some of my fears and/or learn to deal with those fears more effectively. These goals I had for myself were what me and my counselor worked on each week. Then something incredible happened; my goals had started to come to light. I finally felt that my partner was no longer in control of my life. I felt extremely proud of myself. I felt wonderful and eager to begin living my new life.

These accomplishments didn't happen overnight and were not achieved on my own Ð they were the result of the tremendous support and guidance my counselor had provided to me each week. I certainly encountered some bumps in the road along the way, but we worked through those challenges together. My confidence increased as the weeks went by. I overcame my fear of running into my ex husband everywhere I would go and also graduated from college which gave me an even deeper sense of achievement.

On a daily basis, SCCADV assists so many family touched by domestic violence with your gifts of concern, compassion, understanding, support and safety. I am deeply grateful and fortunate to be the recipient of these gifts.

Sincerely,
Mary