My name is Kelly and The Relatives saved my life.

I remember running through the darkness. My body was covered in bruises and the only clothes I owned were covered in blood. I was 18 years old and thought I was going to die.

Until I found The Relatives, I felt consumed by the darkness of despair. My light had been dimmed by rejection. And I felt mired in the gloom of helplessness, as I wondered if my life would be just one long cycle of abuse.

Abuse and isolation were all I knew. Growing up, I was kept hidden by my father. He was afraid the horrible things he was doing to me would be discovered. I never set foot inside of a school; there were no friends, no teachers, no one who might have noticed something was terribly wrong.

It was my grandparents who finally realized I was being abused. When I was 17, they took me out of my father’s house in Chicago, brought me to live with them here in Charlotte, and began home-schooling me.

I had been living with them for a year when they decided to move back home and be closer to family. I had the choice of staying here in Charlotte or moving back to Chicago.

Although I didn’t know anyone in Charlotte and was unsure of what my next steps would be, I chose to stay behind rather than be anywhere near my father, again. Which is how I ended up homeless at the age of 18.

It was while living on the streets that I met Rick. He was a couple of years older than me and knew the streets better than I did. We quickly began dating.

Soon I found myself back in a situation dominated by fear, cruelty, and violence. What I endured was horrifying. And when Rick allowed his dog to attack me, I finally ran away from him. I ran for my life.

I want you to know how difficult it is for me to share this with you. It isn’t easy recalling a life spent in the shadows of abuse and neglect.

But when I found The Relatives on July 8, 2021 I felt as though I had stopped running through the darkness and was finally standing in the light.

The Relatives was a beacon of hope during my darkest time, and they were my guiding light as I began my journey towards a stable future free from abuse.

When I walked through The Relatives’ doors, I needed first aid, a shower, new clothes, and something to eat. Mostly, though, I just needed to feel safe, supported, and loved. The people at The Relatives did all of this for me and more:

• I didn’t have a birth certificate, an ID card, or even my social security number. My case manager, Gigi, took me through the process of gathering these documents while The Relatives covered all the costs. They also took me to the doctor and the dentist.
• The Relatives helped me get a job and provided me with bus passes so I could get to and from work. My first ever job was at Bojangles, and I will always be grateful to Gigi for driving me to my interview and encouraging me to do my best.
• I earned my GED because of the tutoring and support I received at The Relatives. They even held a graduation party for me! Once I received my diploma, I was promoted to supervisor at FedEx.
• Thanks to The Relatives, I’ve been in a stable home of my own for the past 3 years. They helped me with the security deposit, rent, and supported me as I transitioned from life in a shelter to my own apartment. I’m proud to say I have paid my own rent for the past 2 ½ years!

But I am only one of many. I saw firsthand how the caring staff at The Relatives served hundreds of youth and young adults in crisis. And I know from my time on the streets just how many young people in our community still face abuse, have been displaced, and who have no idea where they will go or what they will do when the sun sets.

If it wasn’t for the generosity of people like you supporting The Relatives, then I don’t know where I would be today. This is why I have chosen to share my story with you and why I want you to light the darkness for other young people, just like me.

It would mean so much to me if you would make your gift today and be a beacon of hope for the most vulnerable members of our community.