What I'm Grateful For

Thanksgiving with my family

It’s hard to believe that my boys and I spent last Thanksgiving homeless. We were living in a warehouse with no food, no water, and no kitchen. Instead of enjoying a home-cooked holiday meal together, we were wondering where our next meal would come from and praying my boys’ abusive father wouldn’t find us.

But because of you, this Thanksgiving is different. This Thanksgiving, we’ll enjoy a home-cooked meal in our very own home for the first time in many years.

Today, my boys will wake up to their favorite smell – a sweet potato pie baking in the oven. I’ll make my signature beans and rice in coconut milk – a family staple on Thanksgiving.

When I think about all the things I’m most grateful for, I think of you. Thank you for helping us put a roof back over our heads. Thank you for believing me and my boys were deserving of a better, safer life.

Most of all, thank you for believing our futures were worth investing in.

May your Thanksgiving Day be as filled with love as mine.

With love,
Annette

Take Action

Make a difference

You can make a difference to your family, friends, and community by taking these simple actions:

1. Practice healthy relationship skills: Learn about the skills necessary to practice healthy communication with others. Talk to others about what healthy relationships mean to you and model respectful behavior in your relationships.

2. Be supportive: If you think someone close to you is experiencing abuse, ask them about it and offer your support. If you think someone you know is engaging in abusive behavior, talk to them and encourage them to seek help. Continue to check in and remain connected and supportive.

3. Stay in the conversation: Help shape the movement against domestic violence. Speak up to stop attitudes and behaviors that oppress others. Be a source of information about domestic violence.

4. Learn about and share resources: Everyone has a role to play in creating healthy, safe, and vibrant communities. Explore our website to find out how you can get involved and make a difference.