Just last weekend, I was fortunate to hear the Turtle Creek Chorale in Dallas. Each year they perform an amazing Christmas/Holiday concert with old and new Christmas favorites. Our family has attended each year for the past few years. This concert signals to my brain that Christmas is only a few weeks away. In addition […]
The Holidays can be a Painful Time Read More »
Thanksgiving is the season for gratitude where everyone is thinking about all the blessings that each has. Some of us think of how lucky we are to have family, homes, cars, food and so much more. But many people take it all for granted. And many more grumble about what they want. In fact, many
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 »
A few years ago, Rebecca was a volunteer with her sorority sisters from Baylor Alpha Chi Omega. She was a student at Baylor and the work she did with Family Abuse Center was the usual kind of work that this chapter of Alpha Chi does for us. They work with our kids. They provide meals
The Impact of Volunteering Read More »
Last week, I again had the opportunity to help fill here at Family Abuse Center working in the kitchen helping our Resident Advocate out. One of our staff had a family emergency and several of us pitched in to help. Working in the kitchen is certainly one of the most challenging jobs we have at
Washing Dishes — “These are a few of my favorite things” 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 »