"Monica" married her high school sweetheart and lived a life of luxury in a large house on the beach until he became unemployed and began verbally and physically abusing her. She fled with the children and ultimately arrived in Seattle, where they were homeless and living in a car. Fearing for the safety of her children, she started talking with other people that lived on the streets. She found out about shelters, food, medical care, after-school programs and housing - all supported by United Way of King County.
Monica and her children landed in transitional housing and she enrolled in a workforce training program at YWCA - a United Way of King County grantee. There she learned valuable skills to help boost her confidence and get her back into the workforce. Monica also received strong support in many different areas of her life from United Way partner Neighborhood House, where she later began volunteering and ultimately landed a full-time job.
"I'm so grateful to United Way of King County. It supports so many amazing organizations and links our community and people together. The services provided to me gave me strength and hope and helped me to regain my dignity. It helps me to sleep better knowing that help is there, should we need it," Monica explained.
Today Monica continues to volunteer time to nonprofits and has a passion for working to end homelessness in our community. United Way of King County is addressing the problem of domestic violence on all levels by helping victims reduce the potential danger and/or remove themselves from the abusive situation. Providing safety for victims of domestic violence and sexual assault is just one of the ways United Way of King County is working to create a stronger, safer community.
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2007-2008 "Choose the Way" Campaign Video 
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