0s1a0237-550?v=1

Hope & Healing For All

The Houston Area Women's Center serves thousands each year by helping them to transform their lives free from violence.

Article by Memorial Lifestyle Staff

Photography by Lauren Holub Photography

Originally published in Memorial Lifestyle

Jamie R. Wright

How far removed are you from your experience at Houston Area Women’s Center (HAWC)?

I lived there for three months, about one year ago - it's pretty fresh for me. 

How did they help you?

The most significant and lasting impact they had on my life was helping me realize that I was in a domestic violence situation and that there was a way out. They gave me the tools I needed to get out of my situation and the tools I needed to go back to my situation if that was what I wanted to do. I left my abuser with the clothes on my back and a backpack; HAWC provided me with therapy, food, shelter, and everything I needed. I was able to feel at home while I was there, getting the help that I needed. 

What was one of the essential things that HAWC provided?

Therapy was vital for me; it was everything. It was the middle of COVID, and I was not going to stay in a shelter with women I didn't know. I am an established career woman, and it was hard for me to be in a shelter situation. All I wanted was for my therapist to tell me how to get back home and not be abused. Instead, she worked with me, and if she hadn't - I would not be sitting here talking to you today. 

"HAWC is the epitome of empowerment. They helped me realize that I had choices, and I am forever grateful for what they provided for me." Jamie R. Wright

Nina Robin

What was your experience like at HAWC? 

I have been involved with Houston Area Women's Center since I was a child. The first time I went to HAWC, I was nine years old. They took in my mom, myself, and my two sisters. I remember being there and doing activities, having snack time, and playing board games to help us take our minds off the things happening. I feel like kids need that because (as a child) you don't know why it was happening; you just know how it felt. Being there and being with the volunteers and the people at the shelter definitely helped us, for sure.

What was one of the essential things that HAWC provided?

It was a little scary when I got to HAWC. Being uprooted from what I was used to and going to a different school was hard. As a child, you think that there is no light, that these are the cards you have been dealt, but in all reality, it is a very small time in your life, and there is more for you. HAWC made us feel safe, and we didn't have to worry about what was going on. 

"HAWC housed my family and provided clothing - we got to HAWC with literally nothing. I give back to them as an adult because they gave me so much when I was a child." Nina Robin



 

Houston Area Women’s Center

1010 Waugh Dr, Houston, TX 77019

713-528-6798

hawc.org 

Related Businesses

Related Articles