By age 36, Louisa had endured an abusive childhood and two failed, abusive marriages before finding help and hope for a better life through Wichita Women’s Initiative Network.
“I had no idea there was support out there for women like me,” she said.
But after four months in the WIN program, she says. “Now I know there are people who care and resources to help. WIN is a good program!”
The youngest of six children, Louisa was born and raised in Germany to immigrant parents from north Africa. She left home at 16 and married her first husband, an American Army soldier, at 20.
While he was often “a great guy,” he also was possessive and abusive. She stayed with him through two children and a transfer to Kansas because she was afraid she couldn’t support herself and her children alone.
Later, she sought refuge in a brief second marriage that turned out to be just as abusive, and she had another child.
Then she heard about the WIN program, which helps women survivors of domestic abuse become emotionally whole and financially independent through part-time employment, emotional support and counseling and job-readiness training.
After just a few months in the program, Louisa is learning to deal with the trust issues and trauma she endured, and has hope for the future.
“I’m much happier now,” says Louisa, “Here, I can talk about things and not keep everything inside.”
And here, she’s finding caring support from people who want nothing more than to help her meet her goals in life: to support herself and her children.
“I want to be at peace with myself, to get a good job, a house, and to enjoy life with my kids.”
You can help Louisa and women like her to a hopeful future through your financial support of the Wichita WIN program. Please donate now.
