Love Shouldn’t Hurt

Throughout a large majority of my adult years, I have been physically, and emotionally, abused. The physical abuse really began in my first marriage- with someone I thought I loved, I had children with. Being the victim was my role in life, it was something I have became accustomed to, so it was difficult to leave. Shelters were always on the forefront of my mind (despite the constant lack on room in each). It's one thing to be humiliated and terrified of being someone's punching bad, but it's another thing for everyone to be oblivious to it. Nobody should ever have to feel alone, or scared to leave... One day, when I forced it upon myself to know that I am not a victim, but a force to reckoned with, I decided to create a safe enviroment for others in the same position. Most domestic violence shelters in Colorado run full, 24/7 and many get turned away. When in the wings of despair, comes hope. My non-profit organization runs solely on donations to provide victims of abuse with a, temporary, safe environment. We re-position displaced families (or persons) in hotels for an amount of time, and offer much support to have the "victim" leave their abuser. Hence, First Steps Outreach. Our goal is to heighten the awareness on the ever-present issue, and to also make this hardship tolerable, less lonely, safe. Your donations are appreciated by my husband and I, and our clientele, of course. This fund is what keeps them safe, and able to have a fresh start.Sandy and Jeff (president) Chrisman