Submitted by Claudia Flores, LCSW
Barbara remembers a time when every crisis felt like the end. After more than eight years in a domestic violence relationship, and previous experiences of loss and abuse, she often found herself overwhelmed by emotions she didn’t know how to process. At times, her thoughts turned to ending her life, a reflection of the deep isolation and despair she carried. She describes her mindset then as “black and white” where situations were either hopeless or safe, with no room to see the gray space where resilience could grow.
The turning point came when Barbara reached out to the Radiant Futures Helpline. That simple call was her first step toward reclaiming her life. From there, she engaged with multiple programs that supported her holistic healing. She found shelter in the Emergency Shelter, guidance through Legal Advocacy, transitional housing resources, counseling services, and the SAFE Visitation program, which helped her navigate court-ordered visitations for her child’s father. Each program offered Barbara a safe space to explore her feelings, develop coping skills, and learn how to rebuild trust in herself and others.
In counseling, Barbara learned to reframe her thoughts and examine both the positives and negatives of challenging situations. She began practicing techniques that helped her pause before spiraling, focus on her motivators, and notice the “gray areas” instead of seeing everything in absolutes. For the first time, she recognized that her feelings, thoughts, and behaviors were interconnected and that by understanding this, she could make conscious choices that nurtured her well-being.
Barbara’s transformation was steady and inspiring. She shifted from saying, “No one likes me,” to noticing the strengths and support around her. She leaned on her faith not as a way to escape pain, but as a source of strength and resilience. She learned to view setbacks, like missing a day of work, as opportunities to tend to her needs and take steps toward her goals. She remembers how having that extra time she focused on applying for our Key Housing program. Over time, she built a reliable support system, including her church community and local resources she could access with confidence.
A year after completing services, Barbara continued her healing in the After Care Program. She now works toward obtaining her Emotional Support Animal (ESA) letter to keep her companion dog in her new apartment; a symbol of her independence and advocacy for herself. Barbara’s journey demonstrates that healing is possible and that growth can be achieved even after years of trauma. She now navigates life with self-compassion, resilience, and hope, using the tools she learned in counseling to manage triggers and respond to stress calmly.
Barbara’s story highlights the transformative impact of a supportive environment. Radiant Futures provides a safe space for survivors to explore their past, embrace the present, and look forward to a future free from violence. Barbara’s journey reminds us that with guidance, community, and hope, survivors can rediscover their strength and envision a life filled with possibilities.
If you or someone you know can benefit from counseling services, please contact the Radiant Futures Helpline at 877-531-5527 for more information. Or if you, or someone you know is struggling with difficult moments, contact the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988 where conversations are free and confidential or visit your nearest emergency hospital department.