As the season of gratitude begins, we spoke with two residents of Casa de Paz about what they’ve learned while living in the U.S. and at the house, and what they are most thankful for.
Ana, Colombia
I had to leave my country because of domestic abuse. I had to travel through different countries with my son, go through the jungle and experienced a lot of trauma – I was abused in Mexico. I immigrated to get a better life. I came to be with my family here, but I experienced domestic violence here too.
Racism has been a relevant part of my experience. I went to the store to buy balloons for my son’s birthday and he grabbed a piece of candy. The woman who worked there told me to leave. I came here for a new life and not to be humiliated. Women shouldn’t treat other women badly because we are all the same. But another woman defended me and bought the candy for us.
I am surprised there are social issues here. I traveled through so many countries and the only one I didn’t feel discriminated against was Guatemala. I wanted to stay there but I didn’t see a future there.
I am thankful to Casa de Paz and Hannah because she is there for me and she truly listens. I want to thank the organization for all the resources like mental health resources and medical resources because I can afford to go to the doctor now.
Casa de Paz is teaching me that I have basic human rights and that it is so important to take care of myself. When I was living with my sister I had difficulties enrolling my son in school. When I came to Casa de Paz, they helped me navigate these new ways of doing things here. My son is enrolled in school now and I am so grateful.
Jimena, Guatemala
In the past I used to stay at home a lot with my ex-partner, who was overprotective, and that wasn’t a good quality but it sheltered me from experiences. If there were racist comments he was able to protect me.
If I could turn back time, I would do things differently. There were red flags that I would pay attention to now. And I didn’t leave out of fear – I was afraid of what would happen if my partner came home and I wasn’t there. My fear was physical sometimes – I couldn’t breathe. As a child I didn’t have a father and my partner felt protective in a way that I didn’t understand was unhealthy. I felt like it was almost too late to get out. I don’t know how I got out, but if I’d stayed I don’t know if I’d be alive right now.
For people who might be experiencing domestic violence, Casa de Paz is here to help them not only overcome trauma but for personal growth. Casa de Paz helps us in many areas – mental health, physical and personal growth. Don’t let fear stop you from seeking out resources.
I want to thank everyone who makes Casa de Paz possible because we went from surviving to truly living. I’ll never be able to thank them enough. The organization really does help. We are like wounded birds broken after a storm, and Casa de Paz takes us and heals those wounds so we can fly again.
