We asked Christine to tell us about the last few years and how she’s feeling having her home furnished, “I was in a bad marriage. I didn’t really know him, we had been together only 6 months when we got married. Everything was taken away from me, I was no longer independent, I was controlled financially, and I was confined. I was stuck for seven years in the bad relationship. I stayed because I didn’t know how to leave. I didn’t know what I would do. I used to be so independent, I’ve worked since I was 15, I had my own place and then I got into this marriage. Then there was an incident that made me realize I couldn’t do it anymore, the police were involved and they helped me find shelter at Pathways of Hope. They took us in and helped us.
I found a job right away and am working for a great company in Irvine. I was able to keep the kids in Daycare and school so they felt stable. I found this apartment by driving by. I called management and thankfully the allowed me to stay in a one-bedroom with the 4 of us.
At first, I didn’t care that it was empty. We had a fridge and an air mattress. But we were making it work. When I found out about Furnishing Hope I was amazed. I mean, Wow, this is so awesome! I’m just emotional. I was not expecting all this, I’m amazed. I’m truly, truly, thankful. I’m so blessed. My kids will be so happy, it’s refreshing, a new start. But, it’s also motivating, I know now that we can be OK. To have this stability so quickly for us, I believed it would take me at least 5 years to get where I am now.”
