Joann, PEARLS Client

When Joann came to The Women’s Center, she was depressed and actively suicidal, contemplating overdosing or leaving the car running in the garage. Her scoliosis was causing extreme physical pain, she’d just lost her beloved pet, and she was isolated from family and friends. Growing up in a home filled with violence, dysfunction, and abuse negatively impacted her emotional well-being. “I remember calling and saying, ‘I have an emergency. I won’t be here a month from now, so I need help now!’”

A PEARLS counselor began coming to her home, encouraging her to set specific goals, such as developing a local support system, starting physical therapy and finding ways to introduce joy into her life. “I joined a new church, where I participated in senior exercise classes and made friends. I started physical therapy, and I treated myself by listening to uplifting music and going outside more often.”

Today Joann is an active member of PEARLS Connect, an alumni group of PEARLS clients. Therapy has helped her overcome her childhood trauma. And she’s found a new network of friends that includes a new husband.

“My life today is so wonderful, a complete 180 degree turnaround. I used to keep the blinds closed all the time, but now I want the sun shining in. I see the light at the end of the tunnel, and there is hope.”