Cymarons Story

The first time I found myself at the YWCA emergency shelter, I was 13. My mom was fleeing from an abusive relationship and there was nowhere else to go.

I was 17 when I returned to the YWCA shelter. Only this time I was the one being abused. My abuser was 10 years older than I was and I never imagined that I would find myself in my mom's exact situation. It took me 2 years to escape the abuse for good. Over 2 years' time at the shelter, I was able to rebuild by life and work through my trauma with a case manager.

My life today looks different and you would never know that I am a survivor of domestic violence. My children will know what healthy love and relationships looks like because I was able to heal in a safe place ...the YWCA.

Because of the YWCAs programs and services, I am alive today and have a positive life.