Survivors' Stories & Testimonials
(2010) Client Testimonial: This letter is to thanks and mark the role of DAYA in my Domestic Violence situation. I recieved tremendous support ,guidance and telephonic counceling too. Whenever , I called I felt the staff is so co-opertive and friendly ,always ready to help and listen to my problems and guide me accordingly.You directed me to maintain the record of each event and the things I need to do, if need to leave the house . You helped me find resources , which turned out really functional and remarkable in my situation.
Daya provided timely assisstance through immigration attorneys to clear my doubts and confusions, my abuser was putting in my head from long time.You stood by me in my CPS and PROTECTIVE ORDER hearing.You were always ready to translate or represent as an interperator for me in my court hearings.The letter from DAYA too was a great help in my protective order hearing and for my immigration .
I'm almost out of my situation with two year protective order on my children and me,Supervised visition for my children, removal of my role in CPS and MHMRA cases , Harris County Sheriff Deptt's investigation on him, divorce on the grounds of cruelty, immigration , job and back to school.It all wouldn't be possible without your help and it all wasn't that easy as it sounds , but with you I got the courage and confidence to do it. Since , I came in your contact,I never felt alone or hopeless about my situation. You were always there for me , whenever I needed you.Your name is unseperable from my life and no words can describe, what DAYA did for me.You are doing a great work towards humanity,Keep it up.Once again ,Thanks for all your trouble and support.
Story (2009): Client came to Daya nine months back in a devastated position, after her husband had sent her to India without the two kids and did not want her back. When she came back to the US, she was not allowed to enter the house and meet the children. The spouse then served her with a divorce. A relative of hers contacted Daya and asked for help. Through Daya's Legal clinic, she hired an attorney to fight her divorce case. During the six months at the Transitional Home, she applied and then landed a job in a private school. She has now moved into her own apartment.
Her words: "I do not know how to thank you, there are no words to express my feelings towards your care love and affection that you all have shown towards me. I was thrown into the deep blue sea, did not know how to swim and come out. Life became still and dreams shattered. It was each one of you at Daya that pulled me out and brought meaning back to my life. Each one of you said that life has a meaning, it is beautiful and we will show you the way and do anything and everything to help you to move forward. Each one of you did it. I was so naïve and innocent that I did not know anything - driving to computers - you did it for me. Each one of you meant so much to me that today each one of you are a part of my family; it means so much to have a family like you all specially when you have no one here, you are by yourself. Today with your devotion towards me, I have started my new life - a new beginning. But it would not have been possible without your hard work. Each one of you are special people in my heart and will never at any stage in my life forget what you all have done for me. You all are MY FIRST FAMILY."
Story (2008): From the beginning of the marriage, Client was going through domestic abuse in Pakistan. She came to the US to visit her relative with the children. The spouse came to the US, tricked her and took the children back, while leaving her here by herself. Client went into depression after which relative also asked her to leave the house. When she had nowhere to go, she was sent to a shelter by someone. She contacted Daya from the shelter for help. Daya placed her at the Transitional Home for eight months and applied for her asylum visa through which, she now has a green card. She is currently working at a department store and moving to an apartment of her own, soon.
Her words: "All I can say is, that it was through Daya that today I stand here alive, independent, strong and stable in my life . How can I forget the time when I first called Daya and had burst into tears instantly as heard Daya's client advocate listening to me with so much patience. She was the first person in my life who actually took interest in me and paid attention. The way she talked things over with me, made me very comfortable. She not only understood my situation but also I felt as if she was a part of my pain and genuinely wanted to take me out from it, which she did. I still burst into tears when I look back .The position I am in now wouldn't have been possible without your love, concern and efforts. Saying thank you isn't enough, but thank you so very much all of you and to the volunteers who brought us groceries at the Transitional Home. You all are and always will be in my prayers."