Leaving had always felt like a fantasy. Something that happened in movies, not in real life. Not in mine. Growing up in an abusive home strips you of more than just your sense of safety. It takes away your confidence, your clarity, your belief that things could be different. But after years of hesitating, I knew I had to try.

I took a job at a local diner, working quietly, saving carefully. Hiding money became second nature. As I scrolled through listings late at night, searching for a one bedroom I could afford, doubt crept in. Even if I found a place, how would I furnish it? How would I make it feel like home? Still, I continued researching. I put down a deposit, half my life savings, and found a small room to rent. It was empty, completely unfurnished. But it was mine.

That’s when a foundation helped me. Over the course of a month, they provided me with a mattress and bed frame, a chair, and a small dresser. It might not sound like much, but to me, it was everything. It is everything. It meant I didn’t have to sleep on the floor. It meant a safe place to rest, to heal, to begin again.

The foundation didn’t just help me furnish a space, they helped me build a life. A new start. A second chance. And for the first time in a long time, I can finally sleep safely.

Since then, I discovered other foundations, including Mark’s Northeastern Furniture Foundation, that do the same kind of work. Mark’s services New England, so if you’re in New England, and need help, call Mark’s. They will be glad to help you rebuild.