Survivor Stories

Olivia’s Story

Olivia, a resident at The Dwelling Place, faced tremendous abuse throughout childhood and early adulthood. Now, she's starting a new life and ending the cycle of abuse for her daughter.

Gabriela’s Story

She looked in the mirror and thought, “Is this really my life?” Gabriela had just lost her mom, the woman who set the standard of how she wanted to be loved and wanted Gabriela to earn a college degree. But Gabriela wasn’t in school- she was with a man that told her she was too stupid to go.

Hannah’s Story

Hannah was a young mom who moved from Kenya to America to start a new life. She met a man who promised her a life of love and security for her and her daughters. After they got married, everything changed.

  • — Program Resident —

    Healing takes time. I have come a long way, but I still have some mountains to climb, as the abuse I’ve experienced extends beyond my former marriage. To have a true heart transformation means to step away from those crutches and excuses you let hinder you from walking in your God-given purpose. While my transformation is not perfect or complete, I can say that I have stopped consulting everyone about what I should be doing and have begun asking God.

  • — Program Alum —

    When I think about this past year I am amazed at how I've changed! Because of Jesus and the support of staff, programming and attending college, I have a new future and am able to be the woman and mom I desire to be. I am so thankful for the changes I've experienced while being at The Dwelling Place.

  • — Program Resident —

    I didn’t realize my healing was going to be such hard work! I had to let go of control, get rid of toxic people in my life and take accountability for my choices. But it was all worth it, I have a new beginning. I’m healthy, so now I can have healthy relationships with healthy people. Living in God’s truth is my root and now I’m growing, I’m not stuck anymore. If I didn’t come here, I really don’t know where I would be, I have truly been saved!

  • — Program Alum —

    We are so grateful for TDP! It truly is a place of healing and the impact is far reaching. Thank you for believing in this ministry and the firm foundation you have helped us build. We are so in awe of God and His goodness! Thank you for touching our hearts and giving us so many useful tools and for the love and support during our darkest hours. We love you all!

  • — Program Resident —

    When I first got here, I was scared. But we felt welcomed and accepted despite our past. I have grown, accepted our Lord, and learned more about God.

  • — Program Alum —

    I really changed my entire outlook on things as I went through The Dwelling Place. No grown woman with children wants to be told by anyone how to parent her children, where to be, or to have restrictions. But, in order to break the bad habits that developed from an abusive past, you have to do the hard work. You can do it. It is not easy. You have to want it. It is so worth it!

  • — Program Resident —

    I’ve always done odd jobs. I didn't think that I could actually have a career. I was home taking care of kids. I realized today that maybe I do have the freedom to do a job I want! I grew up wanting to be a doctor, but more recently I realized what I really wanted was to help people feel more comfortable in crisis situations. Now, I am thinking I want to be an Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), and I actually think I can do it!