March 2026 Newsletter

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Looking for a Peaceful Place

 

Life had been peaceful for Nicole. She was married and had children. Her career was advancing. She was a full-time Certi ed Nursing Assistant (CNA) at a care facility, and was taking classes at Umpqua Community College (UCC) to get a degree. At that time, family and friends would watch her children while she was at work or school. They had income to rent a home and own a vehicle, although they could not a ord to pay for child care. They were a young family, making life work and having hope in their future.

Everything collapsed with the onset of spousal domestic violence fueled by substance abuse. He exerted power and control over Nicole as his victim. The domestic violence included physical, emotional, psychological, and  nancial abuse. He restricted her use of a vehicle and meeting with family and friends. His possessiveness and jealousy caused him to monitor every aspect of her life. It included her job, because she might tell others about his behavior. Nicole dropped out of school, lost her job, car, and home. Relationship ties for child care were gone. He was arrested.

For a few months, she lived in a small, inexpensive studio apartment attached to a house. It did not work because of retaliatory behaviors by past acquaintances that had access to that house and her apartment. They did property damage that caused her to be evicted. Nicole said, “I had no options left.”

A friend told her about our Samaritan Inn, then drove Nicole and her two children here. She was not sure what to expect, but said, “It was a nice surprise to have a private room with my kids. There is more freedom having their own space and area to play. It helps not having to worry about anybody coming in bothering us with the security fence and gate. People here are very helpful and caring, they want you to be comfortable. I have found a peaceful place.”

Their family goes to our Children’s Chapel together. Nicole said, “The kids enjoy watching the videos.” Alejandro spoke up, retelling Bible stories, that he had learned, about Jesus talking to His disciples. Nicole said, “It’s a good refresher. I grew up going to church. It’s encouraging and puts life more into perspective.” For now, success is being rescued from a destructive home environment, kept from getting in trouble for the illegal behavior of others, and able to maintain custody of her children. They are in a safe place with their needs met. Opportunity is here to build a new life and a new hope.