I never imagined I would be the victim of domestic abuse, let alone homeless. However, I was in 2016. If it had not been for the Battered Women's Shelter, I don't know what I would have done. When I arrived, I only had the clothes on my back, no food, no money and a broken spirit. The staff showed compassion and helped me during one of the bleakest times in my life. It was not easy trying to get back on my feet, but I did (with a lot of tears and encouragement). In the process, I rediscovered my self-value and strength, and I owe it to the staff of the Battered Women's program. They provided a safe place for me to rebuild myself and resources to help me start all over. I will forever be grateful to all of the staff at the Battered Women's Shelter.

Since the start, the BWP has been a wonderful help to me and my children. Having left their abusive father, my children and I were deemed homeless and I jobless. They have taken my kids and I in and made us feel welcomed. They also helped supplement nutrition when my lack of income/assistance tried to prohibit me providing for my children. I have since then found a job and an apartment with help of the BWP. My children and I are on our way to a better life and I could not express enough gratitude to the staff. Everyone was there for an ear when needed, and sympathy and support when needed as well. They help mothers like myself to not only get back on track but to stay there by instilling the value of goals to help us stay focused. This program is a great asset to this community. I am eternally grateful for the BWP.

I am still overwhelmed by the things that SBBWP has done for me and my kids. The staffs are very helpful and great listener to the problems I been through especially. Without you all, I’d be lost and would probably just let myself be abused. I might not be able to pay back the parish and the staffs for all these good things but my prayers for all your good work.

I want to take this opportunity to thank the incredible ladies/administrators of St. Bernard Battered Woman's Program and Shelter. Y'all not only helped save the lives of myself and my 4 boys, y'all provided us a nice clean apartment with a warm welcome and anything we could need or want such as food, clothes, toiletries and even a shoulder to cry on and inspirational conversation. Also, above all else, you provided us safety! We are now almost 2-year residents here in Chalmette, thriving and loving life. You helped us obtain this new life free from fear, you taught me so much about budgeting and great tips for helping my boys with schoolwork and just so many things, that we are doing so well on our own! Thank you all for helping us get our lives back! God bless you all!

To the BWP, and all the employees, I want to thank you for all you have done for those who are dealing with abuse as I am. I have received so much support and help during this time. I would not have gotten this far without the support especially from my advocate. I have been treated very kindly by everyone I have come in contact with at the center. You do a wonderful service. I am able to cope due to the education I have been given. I have learned so much about keeping myself safe, emotional issues, financial issues, and many other things. I know I am not alone, and someone does understand. Most people do not. Thank you for the wonderful Christmas gifts. I liked all of them. I appreciate your generosity. This is an organization that is much needed. You have really saved my life. Thank you again. 

I am so grateful for you and the staff at SBBWP for all that you have done for my children and I. My son is now in the military and he is currently stationed up North. My daughter is excelling in school and maintaining a B average as I await her promotion to the next grade. I am now a licensed insurance producer for two states and had the honor of being Valedictorian. I graduated from Ministry School Magna Cum Laude with a degree in Biblical Studies and am working towards licensing soon. I would love to be a mentor and voice for others when the time is right. I would like to highlight my darkness that is now my passion. My journey would have been so much longer without your program. 

I just want to formally say THANK YOU to you Angel,  and everyone at the Family Violence Program.  My daughter and I stayed at the facility from 11/2019 until 01/2020.  Everyone at the facility treated us so well and y'all were so patient with us, from giving us the keys to the pet palace every morning and evening, to extending our stay until we secured stable housing.  Checking into the shelter that night was the turning point in my life.  I became empowered and now I am fully independent.  Y'all gave me a peaceful place to rest, think, strategize, and come up with a plan for my life moving forward.  My daughter and I are doing very well.  God has truly restored, renewed, and revamped our lives.  I know you already have and will continue to transform the lives of so many survivors.  Thank you again for everything.