When She Graduates

Rebuilding a life of freedom takes tremendous resilience, and it’s something to celebrate. At The Dwelling Place, the best day of the year is a graduation ceremony.

Olivia stood before the residents and staff, holding her two-year-old daughter on her hip. The room was decorated with purple tables, flowers, and chocolates. Everyone was there to celebrate. “When I first got here,” she said, “It was the first time in my life I felt like I could actually breathe, and people cared about me.”

Abuse plagued her family for generations, but standing there, Olivia knew the cycle had ended.

As she described her transformation at The Dwelling Place, tears filled her eyes. Her little daughter took the tissue from her hand and dabbed her mother’s eyes. No one in the room will forget that moment.

When a woman graduates from The Dwelling Place, the staff, volunteers, and residents gather to celebrate. “I’m proud of every woman here,” said Olivia. “It takes so much strength to rebuild something that’s shattered.”

Current residents spoke out from around the room to encourage the graduate. “You inspire me to keep going and stay strong,” one woman said. Another added, “You were the first person I met when I got here, and your encouragement helped me so much.”

After the celebration, Olivia scooped up her gifts, cards, and her little daughter and walked out to the new life waiting for her. She now has a job, a home, a future free from abuse, and she knows she is not alone. For every step she takes, she has a team supporting her at The Dwelling Place and the peace that God is holding her by the hand.