The Walk to Safety

The Story you are about to read belongs to a YWCA Yakima Client. Your support contributed to her success. Thank you!

She walked the same path more times than she could count, her children trailing behind, their small hands clutching hers tightly. Each time she reached the doors of the YWCA Yakima emergency shelter, her heart pounded with hope and fear.

She wanted help. She needed help. But fear whispered louder. What if he found out? What if leaving made things worse?

So she turned around. Again. And again.

But the shelter staff never judged. They saw her. They saw the bruises she tried to hide, the exhaustion in her eyes, the courage it took just to show up.

They said, “When you’re ready, we’ll be here.” And they meant it.

One day, she didn’t turn back.

She walked through those doors and said, “I’m ready.”

Together, they made a safety plan. They prepared for the moment she would leave for good. And when that day came, she didn’t walk alone. She walked with strength, with support, and with a future.

“YWCA Yakima saved my life when I was ready. Thank you for waiting. Thank you for believing. Thank you for helping me find my way home.”

-A YWCA Yakima Client

Leaving isn’t easy. It’s dangerous.

For survivors of domestic violence, leaving is often the most life-threatening moment.
It’s not just about walking away, it’s about risking everything.

Abusers use fear, control, and isolation to keep survivors trapped.
Many have children to protect.
Many have no financial safety net.
Many fear retaliation, homelessness, or not being believed.

But help is available.
At YWCA Yakima, survivors are met with compassion, safety planning, and support, when they’re ready.

Need help? Call the YWCA Yakima 24/7/365 Helpline. You do not need to be in crisis to call.