Our Women's Stories

"Close to a year ago, I made the decision to leave an abusive marriage. Like many victims of domestic violence, I faced personal and heart-wrenching devastation. Because of the danger I faced in my home, I had to leave most of my personal belongings behind and move in with relatives. Needless to say, my sense of self-worth was at an all-time low, and I felt like I was a complete failure. On the surface it seemed like I had lost everything I had worked to acquire including my home, my family, my financial security and my dignity.

Fortunately, I heard about Coburn Place from one of my friends who worked with displaced women and children. Shortly after applying for residency, I was informed that there was an apartment available to me. I moved in. I thought I was getting affordable transitional housing but I soon began to realize that God had given me a place of healing at Coburn Place. For the first time in months, I felt relieved because I was finally able to live and operate in a decent and a safe environment. Presently, because of Coburn Place’s comprehensive transitional program, I have been given a fresh start as an independent and self-sufficient member of my local community. As a result of being given the option to stay for an extended time, I have been able to establish a permanent residential address. Additionally, as a resident I have utilized many services provided such as: financial management classes, career training, group and individual counseling, and home-ownership program. Obviously Coburn Place is providing me with revolutionary and expansive opportunities.

For me Coburn is THE place I call home. Indianapolis greatly benefits from having this facility – not every city can make such a claim." - B.P.

M.N.'s Story

"I am a former resident of Coburn Place Safe Haven. I came to Coburn Place after escaping a very bad domestic violence situation. Coburn Place provided my son and me with a very safe and structured environment. We received one-on-one counseling with a family therapist, 24-hour security, educational programs for the mothers as well as the children, and were able to participate in a lot of fun activities. There was also a wonderful staff of case managers, child care staff, and not to mention the beautiful apartments."

V.P.'s Story

"I would like to tell you much my family & I benefited from this program here at Coburn Place… I didn’t even know places like Coburn even existed. When we went to the shelter we were informed of Coburn Place. You can only imagine how happy we were that we was able to get in the program."

E.S.'s Story

"I am a resident here at Coburn Place Safe Haven. As a child I had a very traumatic event occur in my life. My twin sister and I found our mother dead on our living room floor. I think it goes without saying that this incident was a primary source for a lot of emotional problems and some misdirection in my life as I grew into early adulthood."

L.P.'s Story

"I have been a resident at Coburn for 1 year. To give you a little information on myself, I left Illinois due to an abusive relationship. When I came to Coburn I was very withdrawn and I trusted no one."

M.L.'s Story

"I would like to acknowledge the true concern Coburn Place has for me. All the support groups and services offered here have made definite and positive changes in my life. The director, my advocate and the entire staff here are truly dedicated to their jobs and their mission in life for caring and understanding each and every woman that lives here."

Y.W.'s Story

"I moved into the Coburn Place December 18. I love the staff here. No matter what I am going through someone is always available to listen to me. When my advocate asked would I like some counseling to help me deal with my pain so I could continue to grow inside and out she set up an appointment with a counselor. My first thought was ok let me do this and get it over. I don’t need a therapist. So what, I've been hurting for 16 years."

J.T.'s Story

"I was a victim of domestic violence in Sept. '02. My two children and I resided at Coburn Place for 16 months. It was a positive experience for all of us.