Julie* used to be afraid all the time.

When her father yelled at and hurt her mother, Julie would lie awake at night listening. She struggled to focus in school, fell behind in her classwork, and often had big emotions she didn't know how to handle. Home never felt safe.

Everything changed when a coworker noticed something was wrong with Julie's mom and shared ALIVE's phone number.

Leaving home with a small bag her mother packed was scary. Staying in a shelter was unfamiliar. But Julie quickly discovered something important: the people at ALIVE were kind. They listened. They cared. For the first time in a long time, she saw her mom safe and smiling.

Today, Julie and her mother are building a new life with family. Once a week, Julie visits ALIVE to spend time with Ms. Caroline, a children's counselor who helps her understand her feelings and learn ways to stay calm when fear creeps in. Ms. Caroline reminds Julie that the abuse was never her fault and that her mom made a brave choice to keep them safe. Julie especially loves visiting because Ms. Caroline's dog, Bennie, is always ready to play.

While Julie works through her experiences, her mother is healing, too. Through counseling, she is rebuilding her confidence, strengthening her sense of self, and learning how to be the parent she wants to be after years of abuse.

Before they leave each week, Julie and her mom often take home books to read together, food for dinner, and clothes that help Julie keep up with how quickly she's growing.

Their family looks different today than it did before. The road hasn't always been easy. But Julie is safe. She is healing. She is learning that home can be a place of peace.

With your support, more children like Julie can find safety, healing, and hope. Your gift helps provide counseling, emergency shelter, basic needs assistance, and compassionate support for families escaping domestic violence. Donate today and help create more stories like Julie's.

*Pseudonym to preserve client confidentiality

Did you know that qualifying gifts of over $100 made to ALIVE may be eligible for a 70% Missouri income tax credit? Learn more at alivestl.org or direct questions to Debra Cotten at debra.cotten@alivestl.org (This is not tax advice, please consult with your tax advisor.)

ALIVE 2026 Trivia Night

Thanks for joining us tonight to provide shelter, healing, and hope to families impacted by domestic violence!