Alexandra arrived at The Sanctuary looking sad and overwhelmed. The day before our program started, she told us she wanted to go home. It was just too hard to face her trauma.
We presented her with a Comfort Kit - a welcome bag just for her provided by gifts from donors like you. We told her it was a joy to have met her and we hoped we would see her again. We said our goodbyes and put her in the van.
Our European Director, Beni, leaned in the window and said, "It was a pleasure to meet you. Take care of yourself.” Then he paused and asked her, “Can you?” Her head dropped and tears started to stream down her cheeks. She shook her head, “No, I can’t." She didn't have the tools she needed to care for herself.
Another team member began to talk with her, while we stood by praying. When she got out of the van to rejoin us ten minutes later, we were overjoyed!
When she arrived, Alexandra was quite literally curled up in a ball. Her shoulders were slouched and her eyes were always downcast. When someone walked by her she would flinch in fear.
Throughout the week she was confronted with new ideas. We told her in many ways that she was loved, that she was not her trauma, she was strong and resilient, and she had our support.
By the end of the week, she was standing tall. Her eyes twinkled and she had a huge smile on her face. Unlocking the cage means freeing survivors from the effects of trauma and equipping each one for a full, sustainable life. You can bring total restoration to survivors like Alexandra.
Be the key!
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