Lena's Story
"I don't know what to do or how my life can go on. I need help!"
A voice sobbed at the other end of the phone line.
Our crisis line has been operating for two years. Women call us when they are experiencing domestic
violence or after they've run away from an unsafe home.
This caller was Lena calling from our own city. It was difficult to decipher her tearful words.
– Are you in danger? Where are you?
The woman calmed down a bit and said there was no immediate danger.
– I have two children. We have no food...
– Are you able to come to our center? We have food to give you.
Petite Lena looked more like a teenager than a 35-year-old. She had big teary eyes, her speech was nearly inaudible, and her hands and head were shaking. She could barely fill out the information form we gave her:
My husband has beaten me and abandoned us. My daughters and I have no money or relatives for support."
We filled some bags with groceries for her and her two girls. 
– How will you get all these items home?
– With my car, but will you help me carry them to it?
"With her own car? Is she really in need?" worker Alina wondered. This was an unusual situation for our team.
But there are problems and despair in all social classes, both for the "elite" and the impoverished.
Lena's husband is a well-known athlete who owns a sports club; he is rich and famous. But he found a new girlfriend and transferred the club to her name. Not only did Lena's marriage fall apart, but she suddenly had no source of income, and her husband became violent. She was too afraid to call the police, and she was too ashamed to ask for help. Then she found our phone number. We met their immediate needs and arranged for counseling and protective services. Negotiations are being made with the husband for financial support.
The one who was helped now helps others.
Lena now attends a group for victims of violence. The change in her is visible as she is now calm and focused. And she has an extraordinary heart to volunteer! She visits the shelter almost daily to cook for the other mothers' meetings, clean the facility, and sort clothes. She drives other women to appointments and babysits. Through an acquaintance who runs a beauty salon, Lena has arranged for free haircuts for all the mothers in our care. She tells everyone about our work and is even fundraising for us!
Lena attends church and marvels at the warmth and love with which her family is welcomed.
"I've been wondering how you do things so well. How can you meet so many people who are in so much pain?
You lifted me up..."
Tears welled up in Lena's eyes again. But this time, they were tears of joy and gratitude.
