Posted on: Saturday, December 4, 2004
ADVERTISER CHRISTMAS FUND
End of bad marriage gives woman hope
By Karen Blakeman
Advertiser Staff Writer
Two years ago, E.K. was in a 15-year abusive marriage and too frightened to escape.
"I'm excited," she said. "I'm determined. The motivation is there."
E.K., 33, will be starting college next year, learning all she can about computer hardware and software.
She already knows she'll be good at it; computers are an interest she developed while working as a volunteer at a social service agency.
"I'm getting experience and education," she said. "I'm making it better for my kids, showing them that no matter how hard life is, you can still get where you need to go if you set your mind to it."
To donate, send checks payable to "The Advertiser Christmas Fund" to Helping Hands Hawai'i, P.O. Box 17780, Honolulu, HI 96817.
Monetary donations also may be dropped off at any First Hawaiian Bank branch.
Goods can be donated at the Community Clearinghouse at 2100 N. Nimitz Highway, near Pu'uhale Road. For information, call 440-3804. "The further I got out of the zone, the easier things came," she said. "I got my self-esteem back."
The kids, a girl, 9, and boys, 12 and 13, are adjusting well. The family has moved from a transitional shelter to an apartment.
"It's ours," E.K. said of their new home. "We call it our own."
The family needs twin beds for everyone, linens, towels, pots and pans. Nice clothes for the children to wear to school would help, too.
Christmas Fund donations will be used for families who need help making it through the holidays. Any money remaining after the holidays will be used to help those in need throughout the year. Our anonymous Santa is matching the first $25 of each donation.
Recent donations
Total: $865.00
Previous total: $6,215.00 Total to date: $7,080.00
She found a way out and she's building a new life for herself and her three children.
She didn't always have this type of courage, she said. A close friend had to push her to leave her abusive husband. Even as she took the first steps, she was terrified.
How to help
