Tina’s Story

Tina ran away from home and her abusive stepmother when she was 16 years old. But the pattern of abuse was harder to escape and soon she was in a relationship with an abusive boyfriend. “He was involved in all kinds of dangerous things,” Tina remembers, “so I left with my baby. My son and I had a good life after that, for a long time.” Tina got her GED, became certified in computerized accounting and moved up the ladder to credit manager. But when she moved to West Virginia to stay with her favorite uncle, she found herself in another abusive situation. Tina recalls, “My uncle tried to strangle me when he was drunk.” Tina was hospitalized in Winchester Hospital then a social worker brought her to Winchester Rescue Mission where she was welcomed and provided with a shower, fresh bedding, clean clothes, and plenty of food.

Tina decided to stay at the Mission and get the case management and coaching support she needed. “I will be at WRM for as long as I need to,” she says. “I’m sick of fighting - I have no fight in me anymore. My body is just broken.” Because of her former abuse, Tina suffers from severe anxiety, depression, and PTSD. But at WRM, Tina says she feels safe. She is learning to set boundaries and is focusing on taking care of herself.

“I can go anywhere now, be who I want to be. This program is a step to where I need to go next, and it’s humbled me. It’s a good place to go if you want help. It’s time for me to learn to be me.”