Submitted letter

The Natchez Democrat

My family and I moved to Natchez when I was 3 years old. I grew up here and graduated from South Natchez-Adams High School in 1975. After living in another state for six years, I found myself at the age of 47 and in a marriage that was only getting worse.

The mental abuse and verbal abuse only lead to the physical abuse. I knew I had to get out, but I had no where to go &8212; until police officers came to my house and gave me 24 hours to vacate the premises.

Through Catholic, Charities, I found the &8220;Guardian Shelter for Battered Women.&8221;

I never knew we had a place like that in Natchez. I didn&8217;t have to wait 24 hours in an unsafe place, I gave all my information over the phone and within three hours I was walking through the Shelter&8217;s locked doors.

This was Oct. 3, 2004, when I realized that life as I knew it was gone. I didn&8217;t know what to expect, but I had talked to a nice lady on the phone who seemed to really want to help me.

After filling out paperwork, I was led down a hall into a clean, nice room and told what time breakfast was served. That was the one night I felt safe in a long time. Not that I could sleep, but I felt safe.

I met the staff, learned the rules, and got to know other people living there with their own story to tell.

I was a nervous, depressed, confused, suicidal woman at that time. Without being able to pay for my medications, I was a mess.

Due to Dr. Charles Coleman, a psychiatrist from Jackson who donates one day per month, I was able to be evaluated for medication and provided prescriptions and medication monitoring free of charge.

The staff seemed to really want to help me get myself straightened out and in our morning meetings, we were informed of options we had.

The Shelter was able to help me see a doctor, they paid for my medicine, they transported me to different appointments, and set me up with a therapist.

We also have parenting meetings for those with children, group support meetings, and optional Bible Studies during the weeknights that help us learn to talk about what we have been through. It helps us realize that we can start a new life.

I thank God I had this place to come to. They helped me get an apartment upstairs in the same building where I feel safe.

I am spending my third Christmas here. I thank God for all the people who donate, for it has clothed me and also decorated my new home.

I feel we need to raise more money to help the Shelter. The storage rooms should be filled up for all the families here in need. Please continue to give as you do &045; it is greatly appreciated.

I have seen people come and go, and I have made some special friends here. The Guardian Shelter saved my life.

This letter was written by a local woman currently benefiting from Guardian Shelter services. She asked to remain anonymous for safety reasons.