United Kingdom: The Salvation Army in the United Kingdom and Ireland Territory shared the heartbreaking story of Marianna (anonymous name) and asked people to support more vulnerable people like Marianna through their Easter Appeal.
As per the Salvation Army, Marianna was physically abused by her father as a child, when in her twenties, she met a seemingly kind and considerate man called Jack, and she thought her dreams had come true.
But two years into the relationship Jack became violent and coercive. Marianna endured Jack’s behaviour for years for the sake of their two children, but she finally reported his behaviour to the police. Jack was arrested and served with a court order that banned him from having further contact with her.
With Jack gone, Marianna was safe, but she still didn’t feel at peace. She also struggled financially as she depended on Jack for money. But all that changed when she was welcomed to one of the Salvation Army’s support cafes to help vulnerable women.
At the café, Marianna found a place where she didn’t have to feel anxious or ashamed. She says, ‘The women there made me feel comfortable and accepted. Hearing other people’s stories is helpful.’
The volunteers talked to her and guided her towards local services to help her. Jack was determined to fight Marianna in court for custody of their two children, so the organisation helped her find a solicitor for fighting her case. They also helped her apply for financial help and gave her food parcels for her and the children.
“We also helped her find a job she loves as a youth worker, and now she’s started training to be a teaching assistant. Marianna, who has known so much unhappiness in her life, is starting to know what it is to be happy,” added the organisation of the United Kingdom.
The organisation asked for help and said, “Please help us to support more vulnerable people like Marianna through our Easter Appeal: https://www.salvationarmy.org.uk/?form=FUNZPHRCBGU.”
){kind=link}