Names and photos have been changed to protect identity

Tiffany's Story

Tiffany was an extremely depressed young woman, barely 20 years old. She had two children, Michelle age 3, and Brandon, age 16 months. She had experienced a rather typical Domestic Violence cycle of stress leading to abuse, then a “honeymoon phase” of soon broken promises that led to yet another elevation of stress and worsened abuse. She felt helpless and hopeless.

With no family in the area and no friends left, having been forced into isolation by her abusive husband, Tiffany had no place to run when her husband battered her son so severely that his skull was fractured. Michelle and Tiffany watched in horror, helpless to even fight in the midst of the utter turmoil.

Thirty days of shelter care gave Michelle and Tiffany a safe haven while Brandon healed in a local hospital. However, Tiffany had no money, credit cards, or even job skills to support herself and her young children. When she was married, she was not allowed to work. She was plagued with worries of where they would go when their 30 days were up in the shelter.

Feeling she had no choice, Tiffany returned to her husband who promised never to hurt any of them again. He convinced Tiffany, and the judge, that if only Brandon had stopped crying that night, he would not have gotten so angry at him and beat his little head against the kitchen table. The family was reunited.

Three days later, Brandon again was the focus of his father’s rage. This time he barely survived. Now Tiffany was forced to find a way out of this madness. It was one thing when the violence was focused on her and quite another thing when it was leveled at her children.

Tiffany was referred to the Erin Kimball Memorial Foundation. She applied, was interviewed, and a plan was put in place that would give her access to the various agencies and services that she required in order to become whole again.

Tiffany and her two children are now thriving. At the EKMF Support Group she can smile, even laugh, once again. Her self-esteem is rising and both she and her children are sleeping, something that most people take for granted. Tiffany is learning the job skills in order to become a CNA and her children are in a very supportive day care while she attends classes.

Tiffany’s goal is to be self-sufficient within two years and she is on track for achieving this great success. There is a light at the end of the tunnel for her and we, at the Foundation, applaud her every success.