Allison’s
Fight for Survival
Growing up in a dysfunctional family Allison witnessed
and experienced situations that no child should be exposed
to. Her only outlet was the Girl Scouts, an organization that
provided her with safety, taught her the importance of a nurturing
relationship, and offered her a creative release. Allison
learned these virtues and skills and has carried them with
her in her personal survival kit, utilizing all of them to
overcome the many other struggles and adversities throughout
her life.
Soon
after Allison’s difficult childhood, she found herself in
an abusive marriage with two kids. One evening while Allison
and her husband were watching television in their living room,
two men in ski masks armed with sawed-off shotguns broke into
their house and threatened to kill their daughter. Instead,
the men proceeded to rape Allison. Thankfully, Allison found
the support and care she needed through the Sexual Assault
Center.
As time passed, Allison realized she needed more help and solicited
assistance from Comprehensive Mental Health and learned that
in order for her and her children to truly survive, she must
take a brave step forward and get out of her abusive relationship.
A single mom, with a high school diploma, Allison was stuck
with a job that provided poverty level income. Allison decided
to get help from Washington Women’s Employment & Education,
where she discovered hope for the possibilities in her life.
With a new found confidence and self-esteem, Allison immediately
enrolled in school and six years later she finished with a
master’s degree and the pride in knowing she was the first
person in her family to graduate from college.
Just
when Allison was feeling back on her feet, and thought the
worst was over she received a phone call that her 21 year-old-son
died in an accident. With a heavy heart, Allison turned to
BRIDGES, a program that provides grief and loss services.
Since the accident, Allison has not only learned to deal with
the loss of her son, she has also found the courage to survive
and succeed in life, thanks to the safety net of services
created through the United Way of Pierce County Community
Solutions Fund.
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