A Domestic Violence Shelter Provides More Than Safety

When Lauren arrived at Grace House, she was escaping domestic violence and facing an uncertain future.

In addition to needing a safe place to heal, she was living with a severe vision impairment caused by her injuries. Everyday tasks had become difficult, and rebuilding an independent life felt overwhelming.

As a funded Community Investment partner of United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley, The Salvation Army of Columbus operates Grace House, providing emergency shelter and supportive services for women and children experiencing domestic violence. Beyond meeting immediate needs, staff work alongside survivors as they rebuild their lives, connect with resources, and plan for a safer future.

For Lauren, that support included helping her access medical care that offered hope for restoring part of her vision.

Then something remarkable happened.

A young member of a local church learned Lauren’s story and organized a fundraiser that raised the money needed for her procedure. Thanks to the generosity of neighbors and the care of a dedicated physician, Lauren underwent surgery that successfully restored vision in one eye.

A Community Helped Make a Fresh Start Possible

With her vision improved and a safe place to rebuild, Lauren began taking the next steps toward independence.

She qualified for Social Security Disability benefits, saved enough money to secure her own housing, and moved into a home of her own.

Her journey is a reminder that recovery doesn’t happen through one act of kindness alone. It happens when compassionate people and organizations come together to help someone rebuild what violence tried to take away.

Because of that support, Lauren was able to move forward with greater independence, renewed confidence, and hope for the future.

Strong Communities Are Built Together

Behind every impact story is a network of people and organizations working together to create lasting change.

As a funded Community Investment partner, The Salvation Army of Columbus, through Grace House, provides emergency shelter, advocacy, and supportive services for women and children experiencing domestic violence, helping survivors find safety, stability, and a path toward independence.

United Way of the Chattahoochee Valley invests in trusted nonprofit partners with proven results because lasting change happens when we strengthen the organizations already making a difference every day.

When you support United Way, your investment stays local, helping ensure individuals and families across the Chattahoochee Valley have access to safety, compassionate support, and opportunities to build brighter futures.