I was just 2 years old when we left my dad. My mom had suffered years of abuse and the thought of those things happening to me were too much for her to bare. She made the decision to take me and move in with my grandparents. Like I said, I was 2. But all these years later I remember leaving. I remember the muffled cries from the bottom of the stairs. The stale smell of the hallway. I had nightmares for 30 years. My life was truly saved when we pulled up to my grandparents’ house that night. We lived there until I became a man and without that option we may have never escaped. Even after escape we had to endure harassment and violence from my father. Again, we were lucky we had people to protect us, my uncles. They are the ones that taught me how to be a man. 40+ years later my father and I are on good terms. He got the help he needed and hasn’t repeated the cycle and my pain eased after I forgave him. My Mom is better than ever. She is strong and sacrificed so much to raise me. We talk everyday. Now, as the father of a beautiful daughter it feels more important than ever to do what I can to help survivors of Domestic Abuse, because not everyone is as fortunate as we were to have a place to go and be safe. That is where Hubbard House comes in. This is an incredible organization serving the Jacksonville community. They offer free, safe shelter for people who need a place to go. They have a 360 approach to getting survivors get back on their feet. There are many reasons that a survivor feels they can’t escape and Hubbard House knows how to overcome those obstacles. I am honored to be able to ask you for help. Donate below if you can or go to their Website for more info. If you are experiencing domestic abuse or need to know how to help someone who is, you can call the Hubbard House Hotline 24 hours a day at 904-354-3114 or text to 904-210-3698.
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