I am a single mother of four children. I am a survivor of domestic violence. I am resident of Lamb’s Fold. I am all of these things, and more. This is my story:

 

At the age of 19, I met and began to date a man. Two weeks after our first dating encounter, he choked me in a dark alley because one of my friends from high school said, “hello.” This abuse continued on and got more severe. But, eventually, I ended up marrying this man and I bore four children for him.

 

I was physically, mentally, and financially abused. I stayed with him because I did not think I could ever make it on my own.

 

In April of this year, my husband woke me up and told me that he was going to kill me. He had a gun to my head. This is when I knew that I had to leave. I escaped and went to a shelter in Rolling Meadows. I was there for three weeks when the police informed my husband of my whereabouts. I was then brought to Joliet. I stayed at a battered women’s shelter where my children and I received counseling, and were taught basic survival skills. After eight weeks there, a spot became available for us at Lamb’s Fold. I was so nervous. I began to attend classes and counseling there also. Lamb’s Fold is one of the best things that have happened to me.

 

The staff here truly care about the people and how we are doing. They want to make sure that when we leave here, we have everything that we will need.

 

I have received good training and secured a good job. I have also received legal help beyond imagination and so much support. I am on my way to being a stable mother and woman. I am so thankful to be a Lamb’s Fold resident.

 

- Cynthia