When Daniella first visited the Family Resource Center, she didn’t know exactly what she was looking for. She only knew that something felt wrong. There was a heaviness she couldn’t shake—an emotional weight that had grown too heavy to carry alone. The mother of a three-year-old, she wanted to find help, not just for herself, but for her child. Her Family Support Specialist at the center recommended the Personal Empowerment Program (PEP), a series of classes taught by Radiant Future advocates aimed at helping individuals find strength and clarity. 

Daniella decided to attend, and as she sat in those classes, she slowly began to see her situation in a new light. It was during PEP that the realization hit: she was in a domestic violence situation. The father of her child, the man she thought she knew, was not just controlling—he was abusive. The abuse wasn’t just emotional; it was physical as well, and it had slowly eroded her confidence and peace of mind. 

Despite this difficult realization, Daniella completed the program. But instead of feeling a sense of relief, her anxiety symptoms worsened. The fear and uncertainty grew stronger, and she knew she needed more help. That’s when she turned to Radiant Futures, where she began individual counseling sessions to start the next phase of her healing journey. 

In her counseling sessions, Daniella found a space that finally felt safe, a place where she could express the emotions she had been burying for so long. Week by week, session by session, she unraveled the extensive history of abuse she had endured. For the first time, she confronted not only her current situation but also the abusive relationships from her past. She began to see her own resiliency in ways she hadn’t before and learned the importance of setting boundaries. 

Daniella shared about how, during her counseling, she “gained a voice that (she) never had.” This newfound confidence allowed her to step outside her comfort zone, not just within her family, but in her social life too. She began making friends, forming connections that felt healthy and supportive. More importantly, Daniella felt empowered. She had learned about her legal rights, and with the help of her therapist, she was connected to legal services, further reinforcing her sense of control over her own life. 

Reflecting on her journey, Daniella said, “I am very happy and very grateful to my therapist and all the staff at Radiant Futures. I feel rested, I have the desire to achieve goals, I have the desire to dream. I felt heard, I was able to accept and value myself, and I am still in that process. Everyone has been very good to me and my children. I am very grateful! Thank you very much with all my heart.” 

For Daniella, the journey was not just about escaping abuse but about reclaiming her life, her dreams, and her future. If you or someone you know is in need of assistance, please call our 24/7 Helpline at 877-531-5522.