Kathleen's Story

Kathleen’s text to Life Forward was short and urgent: “I need help. I just want to die.”

Anxiety and the weight of an unstable, abusive relationship marked by infidelity left Kathleen feeling trapped and overwhelmed. As a past client, she knew she could reach out to Life Forward to receive support, but with our new services, we were able to continue to provide more holistic care.

After completing a suicide risk assessment, staff encouraged Kathleen to seek hospital care for her safety. When Kathleen came in for her well-woman exam a few days later, a client educator had the opportunity to speak life and Truth into her situation. Kathleen also received STI testing and was shocked by the results, confirming her fears about her partner’s infidelity and providing the strength she needed to walk away. Just as important, we connected Kathleen with a mental health provider who helped her begin a plan to manage anxiety.

In the following weeks, Kathleen enrolled in Springboard, Life Forward’s educational program for women’s health and healthy relationships. She also began praying and reading Scripture with a close friend and later shared that she began a relationship with Jesus.

As Kathleen engaged in life-giving decisions, she was able to secure a new job as well as housing for herself and her son. While her journey isn’t over, Kathleen is connected to a support system at Life Forward—receiving medical services, spiritual encouragement, and practical help, providing hope and healing both now and for her future.