Safe Nest: Temporary Assistance for Domestic Crisis, Inc.

Avery’s Story…

It was the first time in 11 years that I was going to see my dad, and I was really really scared. I wasn't sure what I was going to say or how I should act. What do you say to someone you haven’t seen in so long? Someone who was supposed to love me and my mom but back then wanted to hurt us, even kill us?  

As I got closer to the room where I was meeting my dad, I took a deep breath and remembered what my mom said, “Everything will be all right. He can’t hurt us now.”

I opened the door and there he was. The first words out of his mouth were "I love you and if I could change one thing, I'd change it all." My heart sank and tears filled my eyes. How could he say that? It had been so long and not once had me or my mom heard from him. But how could I be mad at my dad? I was supposed to love him, right?

I was so confused. I was just a baby when all the hurting and abuse happened so I didn’t remember much. I just remember the stories my mom told me - like when we had to leave him without even saying goodbye. Mom said if we had told him we were leaving, he would have killed us for sure.  

Fortunately, Avery’s mom had a friend who told her about Safe Nest. So after three blatant attempts at ending their lives and suffering verbal, emotional, and financial abuse, Avery’s mom called the hotline and arrangements were made for the two of them to enter the shelter. Once there, they received the support and encouragement they needed. After a few months, Avery and his mom were on their way from being victims to becoming survivors. And while the bruises on the outside had healed, his mom knew the emotional bruising would much take longer. She knew that in order to break the cycle of violence, she needed to get both of them into counseling and took advantage of the therapy services offered at Safe Nest. The therapy sessions helped both mother and child, so much so, they now serve as mentors to others who have experienced the heartbreak of domestic violence.      

The positive outcome of this story only happened because of you and your generosity. Your support makes it possible for Safe Nest to help thousands of victims like Avery and his mom every year. Thank you for supporting Safe Nest through this year’s Nevada’s Big Give and ensuring we’re always there for those in need.