Rene grew up desperately poor in an alcoholic home, a parental figure to her five brothers and sisters. By the age of 25, she had endured the deaths of her parents, three siblings and a child. Despite so much tragedy, she managed to earn a degree in Information Systems, stayed married for 22 years and raise a son.

But when she had her first drink at 42, a lifetime of ignored grief set her up for instant addiction. She lost her marriage, a great job and eventually her home. Although she always managed to have safe shelter at night, she often wandered the streets during the day. She didn’t think her life could be anymore miserable. Then came the assault as she walked in the Capitol Hill area. A friend took her in, but it was soon clear she needed professional help. "Today I see a mental health counselor twice a week," says Rene.

Rene is doing well and working through our Women of Wisdom internship at the Women and Children’s Shelter. She will be heading back to school this Fall attending classes at Seattle Central Community College.

(Unfortunately, assault is not uncommon among women we work with. Often, extensive counseling is required before they can make progress toward self-sufficiency. Your support helps give women like Rene a second chance.)