Diana still remembers the night everything changed. She had spent years walking on eggshells, never knowing what might set him off. But that night, as she held her daughter close, listening to the shouting from the next room, something inside her shifted. She couldn’t let this be their life, not anymore. With nothing but a small bag and the determination to protect her child, she left. She didn’t know what the future held, but she knew she had to find safety. 

That journey led her to Radiant Futures’ emergency shelter, where, for the first time in years, she and her daughter could sleep without fear. The road ahead felt overwhelming, but Diana was ready to rebuild. She connected with counseling, parenting workshops, and financial empowerment classes, slowly regaining the confidence the abuse had stolen from her. 

One of the first steps in reclaiming her life was seeking legal protection. With the support of Radiant Futures’ legal services team, she filed for a domestic violence restraining order within her first week at the shelter. When the day of the hearing arrived, fear crept in—her abuser was there, trying to intimidate her. But Diana refused to back down. She stood strong, and when the judge ruled in her favor, granting a five-year restraining order and full custody of her daughter, she felt something she hadn’t in years: relief. 

With newfound protection, Diana embraced her fresh start. Through Radiant Futures’ housing resources, she found a stable home, and with encouragement from her case manager, she applied for a job in a field she had always dreamed of. When she received the offer, it was more than just employment, it was a step toward independence. 

Today, Diana and her daughter are thriving. The past will always be a part of their story, but it no longer defines their future. Diana is building a life filled with hope, stability, and the love of a mother determined to create something better for her child. Her journey is a testament to the strength of survivors and the power of a community that believes in their ability to rise. 

If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call our 24/7 helpline at 877-531-5522.