From Survival to Strength: A Mother's Journey of Hope

Angela never imagined she would end up here—standing strong, healing, and fighting for a future she once believed was impossible. Today, she works as a caregiver for the elderly, a job that reflects her deep compassion. She’s also in college, pursuing her bachelor’s degree in psychology. Her dream? To become a Christian counselor and help others who feel as lost as she once did.

But Angela’s journey to this point was anything but easy.

A World of Fear and Hopelessness

A mother of four—Isaiah (10), Elise (7), Kiara (6), and AJ (4)—Angela’s life was suffocating under the weight of domestic violence, addiction, and hopelessness. The man she trusted had stripped away her confidence and her worth, replacing it with daily insults.

“My self-worth and self-esteem were not even there,” she recalls. To numb the pain, Angela turned to drugs. Not because she wanted to—but because she felt she had nothing left. “I was using drugs to cope,” she says. “I didn’t have a job. I had no self-esteem."

The Breaking Point

One night, her abuser pinned her to the ground, his arm crushing her neck. As she struggled for breath, something happened that shook her to her core.

Her son Isaiah ran into the room—just 10 years old—holding a steak knife in trembling hands.

“Get off my mom!” he screamed.

That moment changed everything. Angela realized her children were learning that violence was the answer. She knew something had to change.

She remembers asking herself: If nothing ever changes, can you live the rest of your life this way?

Reaching Out for Help

With nothing but determination and a whisper of faith, Angela reached out for help. She connected with Presbyterian Children’s Homes and Services (PCHAS), first for counseling and later for mentoring for Isaiah.

“I was determined, by the grace of God, to get out,” she says. “I don’t know what sparked it—credit to the good Lord—but something had to change.”

Her abuser tried to keep control—through manipulation, threats, even taking away her car. But step by step, Angela began reclaiming her life. With the support of her PCHAS counselor, she started to see through the lies she had believed for so long.

Building a New Life

Angela set three goals for herself:

1. Get a car. With the help of her church, she did.
   

2. Find a job. She became a caregiver for the elderly.
   

3. Enroll in college. Today, she’s studying psychology and already planning for her master’s in Christian counseling.
   

“I want to be the kind of counselor who understands,” Angela says. “I can’t be judgmental—because I know what it’s like. I’ve been there.”

But the transformation wasn’t just about her. It was about her children, too. She enrolled Isaiah in PCHAS’ Elevate Mentor Program, where he met Steve, a patient and kind mentor who became the role model he desperately needed.

“Steve taught Isaiah what it means to be a good man,” Angela says. “He gave him the example I never could.”

A Future Full of Hope

Angela’s self-esteem has grown. Her confidence is returning. And her faith has carried her through.

“My self-esteem has improved drastically. I used to think, I can’t do this. Now, I know—I can and I will.”

She doesn’t just believe in a better future anymore—she’s building one.

“God had a plan for me,” Angela says, tears welling in her eyes. “I thought I’d never escape. But now, I have a future. And so do my kids.”

Help more mothers like Angela find safety, healing, and hope for their families. Your support makes transformations like hers possible. Learn more about our programs and see how you can make a lasting impact through giving and volunteering.