There are 1,440 minutes in a day. During a busy day of meetings, errands and appointments, the span of a minute hardly seems like enough time to get anything done. This past year we learned how to value the time we are given and began to practice how we could easily make a minute matter […]
Maria (not her real name) told me that she was needed to leave Waco and go far, far away. “How far away is far away?” I asked. “I’ve already said goodbye to all my family. My brothers, my sisters, nieces and nephews,” she said. “I know that I probably can never see them again, if
What our clients leave behind when they leave a domestic violent relationship? Read More »
As it gets quiet throughout the shelter on a Friday night, I am reminded of how much the staff of Family Abuse Center are dedicated to this great cause. To each of you: You work longer hours than you are required because you care and you can’t just stop caring. You take extra time to talk to our
Reflections on a quiet Friday evening — To Our Staff Read More »
The work of Family Abuse Center is difficult. Our clients come to us because of a crisis in their home. Many don’t know where to turn for help. Often they have used up all the family relationships and friendships in the past. Too often they aren’t sure whether they even want help, let alone where
A safe place and a listening ear! Read More »
All too often, our clients will justify the abuser’s violent behavior. The victims tell us that the abuser’s childhood was horrible. He witnessed lots of violence. His mother was beaten in front of him. He heard the screams. He saw the blood. His childhood experiences are now his excuse for his own violent behavior. Sometimes the victim feels badly for
“He was abused as a child. That’s why he hits me.” Read More »
Social media has changed everything about the way we communicate. Communication now on social media is quick and wide spread. Just a click of a button and a message is transferred across the world. We are able to track down long lost friends from elementary school, or reconnect with neighbors who moved away years ago. We
Social Media and Our Messages Read More »
Domestic Violence is the single largest cause of women and children living in homeless situations. The families that come to Family Abuse Center come because they can no longer stay where they are living. They are “refugees” from their own home, forced away by the abuser. Most of them have already tried to leave, fleeing
Domestic Violence Victims are Homeless Read More »
Donors often ask how it is that the staff at Family Abuse Center handle the stress. Yes, it is true, we hear stories from our clients that will give us all nightmares for the rest of our lives. We see things that no human being should see. We listen to sad stories of abuse and
It’s All Worthwhile Read More »
One of the best parts of my job comes in the middle of the night. Yes, sometimes the worst parts of my job comes in the middle of the night, but this is Christmas day and with it comes so much joy. For months, literally starting in early October, individuals and businesses, churches and families,
Christmas at the Shelter Read More »
More than 256 volunteers joined Family Abuse Center staff to build a playground in one day. KaBoom organized the event and Blue Cross Blue Shield paid for the playground equipment. It was a true festive occasion that even the cold could not dampen. The DJ played upbeat music. Blanek’s Catering provided the lunch and many
The New Playground is a Reality Read More »