Celines found safe shelter, freedom, and healing
“Knowing what he was capable of, remembering the terror of his hands around my neck, I feared for my safety and my son’s life. I knew I had to leave.”
Heather's Story
When I lost my nephew Keondre to gun violence in 2021, my whole life came crashing down. At only 18, Keondre was senselessly shot multiple times. He went into the neighborhood deli, and he never came out. I raised Keondre from the time he was four years old—he was…
Loida's Story
My husband, Norman, and I had been living in the Philippines. We were looking for better-paying jobs in the U.S. to help support our families. A recruiting agency promised us the perfect jobs in Florida, so we eagerly agreed to their request to move. We believed that we were…
Anonymous C's Story
When she escaped her trafficker, all she had was the $15 in her pocket. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, in any part of the world. After being trafficked, a person’s things – identification documents, personal items, even clothing – are often taken away and withheld from them. It’s no…
Mark's Story
At 19-years-old, Mark’s life took a sharp turn. He was living with his father in Harlem, studying electrical mechanical engineering, and engaged to his high school sweetheart. Then his mother lost her apartment, and Mark had a major falling out with his father. Unable to stay with other family, Mark…
Abdul's Story
Losing his mother at a young age deeply affected Abdul. With no family to help him, he became homeless at 17. He stayed in men’s shelters for a short time and eventually found a community that would look out for each other along the A/C/E subway line. Through word-of-mouth, Abdul…
Krystaly's Story
Krystaly grew up in a family that experienced housing instability: her mom was raising Krystaly on her own and they were often in and out of shelter. Krystaly found it difficult to express herself and often clashed with her mother. Given their strained relationship, Krystaly chose to leave her home.
Karina's Story
Karina and her daughter came to Safe Horizon after Karina’s daughter disclosed that she was being abused, carrying with them a backpack containing a homework journal. During a session at Safe Horizon, Karina and her daughter each made a bracelet for one another. It can be earth-shattering to find out…
Angie's Story
Angie never felt safe at home. Her mother struggled with mental illness and addiction, and by age 11, Angie and her siblings were placed in foster care. Foster care came with its own challenges, and by 13, she left in search of a fresh start. She found a sense of…
Anonymous W's Story
She carried her identification documents, which had been shredded by her partner, to Safe Horizon. Domestic violence can take many forms beyond the physical. It often involves actions aimed at controlling an individual. “W” came to Safe Horizon’s Community Program office with a ziplock bag of shredded paper. Her and her…
Neffatiti's Story
Neffatiti lost the only family she had when her great-grandmother passed away. Neffatiti was 16 years old at the time, and shortly after, entered foster care. Neffatiti was determined to continue her education and excelled in school, despite being harassed by an older man from the neighborhood who was trying…