[MrsFuentes]

I'm not sure if this is the right board, to post this. But, feel free to move it MODS if need be. I just want to vouch for those organizations receiving help...

Here is my experiences....

Over 11 yrs ago, I was single and I found out I was pregnant. I was not in contact with my parents and really didn't have many options. I had a wonderful woman refer me to a Crisis Pregnancy center. They gave me maternity clothes, baby clothes, Diapers, Wipes, Bedding for the baby's bed,etc... It meant so much to me. I was on a very fixed income! Back then, I only made $6.42 per hour. But, because of the Crisis Pregnancy Center I was able to get some things that I really couldn't afford. At the same time, I started going to church and through the church they were able to help me get an apartment for my son and I.... I look back on that and have no idea How I did it... But, I certainly did the most part due to the gracious and giving hearts of others. Something so little can make someone's lives so much easier and better. You can make a difference.

In addition, some of you know that I have had a rough time for the past few years. I am doing well now. But, I can tell you 2 yrs ago, I got involved in a very physically abusive relationship. I left 8 times before I left him for good. Three of the times I called him, I tried to get into a shelter, but each time there was no room. Let me tell you, the town wasn't a small down, it was a fairly large and wealthy town and still there wasn't enough funds to help everyone in need. It was very hard for me, as I didn't have anyone to help me. I wasn't in a position to leave financially. But, I was dying with each day that went on because of the physical abuse. But during this time, I was in frequent contact with the domestic violence center and they would listen to me and offer advice and tried to help. But, if the resources weren't available there wasn't much they could do.

This is a shame. Every WOMAN who wants to leave an abusive relationship should have a place to go and a place to offer a safe environment. We need better resources to accomplish that. I almost died because of my injuries, I was hospitalized more than once. And, if you are wondering, yes I pressed charges. Each time. Yes, I went to the hospital. But, ultimately nothing was done. Our courts don't seem to care, or maybe they just don't have the resources to punish these people. But, that is another can of worms. I think as people in communities, there are things that are in our power to do. And, when we have the opportunity to do that, we should do it!

I would also like to say, that a little over one year ago, I left the abusive relationship for good. I left with nothing. No Car. No money. No clothes-besides what was on my back. No personal Items. I left with nothing. I stayed in a hotel one night. The next day, I had no money....I decided to go back to my church and ask for help. Thankfully, I got that help. I was able to drastically turn my life around. I continued to get counseling at the Domestic Violence Center.

But,Please know that whatever Charity you choose to donate to, Please know that you are making a difference in someone's life. Something you may think is so little, can mean the world to someone else. It can really play a part in helping someone else Start their Life over.

I am a prime example of a life that has a second chance.

Three years ago, I lost my children. Two Years ago, I was beaten by my ex. 1 year ago, I took the big step and chose to put my life in God's hands and take what he gave me. He gave me a second chance.

My life used to be chaotic, Crazy, Unstable, Violent.... And now, I have peace. I have my children back in my life on a regular basis. I have a new husband who loves me, adores me , respects me, takes such good care of me. I have a stable life. I cannot tell you what a blessing it is, to go to work, come home and just relax. I have a normal life. I have a blessed life with so many things I am thankful for.

I decided at the beginning of this year, that I would devote a good portion of my life to helping others. Weekly I attending a womes support group for women going through various issues... I support them and they support me. I give back what I have been given.

So, please Consider choosing an organization and helping people. You will feel so good doing it. I just have to stress that no matter how little or how big----WHAT YOU DO MATTERS.

[schmidt00]

Thank you for sharing your story!!!

[MrsFuentes]

Thanks

[Drea]

Awww, thanks for sharing....so glad everything is looking up for you....

[lovelyscraps]

Thank you so much for sharing your story!

[Smurfytigger]

Thank you for being so brave to share your story. I love to donate and help out whenever I can. It is nice to hear that any amount really helps those in need.
Thanks again..and continue to stay safe!

[nilennovy]

I am glad you have found peace in your life. Thanks for sharing.

[sar1]

Thank you for posting your story. I know it will give people that little push they need to make that donation they've been putting off!

[MrsFuentes]

Thanks ladies. I guess, I felt compelled to share because I *think* someone might think it may not be worth it to only donate a little bit, but really anything helps those in need. And donating to an organiztion that you know---you will know that is really going to those in need.

[JaimeDae]

thank you so much for sharing.

[MrsFuentes]

You are welcome

[helenpooh]

Saw this at your blog earlier and left a message. Glad to see it again to know there is a forum called Operation Fill their cups.

[clancardenas]

Thank you for sharing you story, I donate when ever I can, when God bless we are to pass it on. I was once homeless and the only food I got was from a Church soup kitchen they also provided clothing and hygiene products. It was a blessing until we got on on our feet. So Thanks to all who choose to Donate, you are making a difference.

[simplyjennifer]

Thank you for sharing your story. I often feel bad that I can't donate more - but now that I'm couponing again, I hope to be able to help my community more. Thanks for the assurance that even my "little bit" can help!

[ilovecouponstoo]

Thanks for sharing you have inspired me to drop off a donation to the local food bank.

[MrsFuentes]

Wonderful! You are welcome!

[MommySusan1]

Thank you for sharing your story and reminding us to share what we have. I always say that if everyone said, "I don't have much to donate, it really won't amount to anything, so I am not even going to bother", the whole system would fall apart. But if everyone says, "I have this little bit extra I can give, so I will", think how much we could accomplish!

[MrsFuentes]

Susan,

You are so right!!!!

[myfab5]

Thank you so much for sharing....you are so blessed!!

[wannasavemoney]

thank you for your story hope we can all help someone out. when you donate something it may not seem like much but it can really help someone out

[LinzluvsGJ]

Thank you for sharing your story!

You are so right, it can be difficult to leave an abusive relationship. I live in Albuquerque NM and about 5 months ago (while 8 months pregnant) my husband and I were having a LOT of issues. He was being emotionally and physically abusive. I wanted to leave. I couldn't. The shelters here had no openings at all. They had a policy to split children from adults, which isn't something I was willing to do with my kids. Luckily, things have improved and I have been able to stay in my home, but it is frustrating to know that if any situation ever came up for me again, there would likely not be any resources for me, and that the resources out there aren't available to everyone who needs them when they are in a bad situation.

[boingo82]

Thank you for sharing. I have found that battered womens' shelters are usually hard up for donations and grateful to receive both new and used maternity and baby clothes and supplies especially. I do enjoy giving our extras to the local food bank and the shelters for people in abusive relationships.

[Lisare4502]

I loved your post and was in the situation years ago but no one would help. I'm so glad you & your family are happy. You deserve it. Keep up the good work.

Lisa

lisare4502@yahoo.com