"Little did she know, but a tornado had flipped her world upside down and she no longer found herself in familiar territory.  The yellow brick road took Dorothy to Emerald City, so that she could ask the Wizard of Oz to help her get back home to Kansas.  Along her journey, she declared ‘Lions, Tigers and Bears, oh my!’

Without even realizing it, until much, much later in the relationship, my world had been flipped upside down and I no longer found myself in a familiar territory.  My “yellow brick” road took me to DeafHope, so that I could ask the Executive Director, Julie Rems-Smario, to help me get myself back.  Along my journey, I declared “Lies, Betrayal and Deceit, oh my!”

Dorothy had three extremely loyal, caring and brave friends by her side as she made her journey to Emerald City.  The Scarecrow, Tinman and Lion were there through all the ups & downs and helped Dorothy overcome several obstacles.  Without them, Dorothy may never have been able to escape the wrath of the Wicked Witch.

The same went for me – I had three extremely loyal, caring and brave friends by my side.  They were non-judgmental and only offered support, they never once tried to tell me what I should do.  But if it weren’t for their loyalty, I wouldn’t have made it through all the ups & downs.  And I certainly never would have mustered up the courage to escape the wrath of my abuser, especially after many attempts.

Three clicks of her heels and the repetition of ‘There’s no place like home… there’s no place like home…,’ Dorothy soon found herself back home in Kansas and surrounded by her family and loved ones.  She was extremely grateful to be back home again.

At least three serious attempts later, of trying to get out of the abusive relationship, and with the crucial support of my family, friends and most importantly, Julie Rems-Smario, I have finally found myself again and am at peace with myself, regardless of all that has transpired in the past few years of my life.  I am stronger and better for it all.

Thanks Julie, for helping me restore my faith and confidence and for always being by my side.” - Survivor

“I want to extend my sincerest gratitude to the DeafHope staff for being of extreme assistance to me. I sought out DeafHope services because I felt as though I could trust the staff. DeafHope did not fail me in this challenging task. Not only were the advocates of DeafHope was very resourceful in providing emotional support, but they also gave phenomenal connections to outside resources. As result of DeafHope agency’s crucial support, I have been seeing a certified social worker for support in dealing with my issues. This has been very productive in ensuring my personal growth transpires. In addition to that, I am also gaining grounds in recuperating from painful ordeals which I have endured. For this, I have DeafHope to thank. The empowerment I felt when able to gain control of my life couldn’t have happened without DeafHope’s support. Thank you for this and much more. DeafHope will always have my unconditional support.” - Survivor

“What did I get out of the domestic violence training from DeafHope? Everything. Amber Hodson opened my eyes about the harsh social reality for deaf women when they are caught in a domestic violence situation. She introduced me to the basics of domestic violence, shattered my preconceived notions about it and expanded my consciousness at the same while keeping the subject in a culturally deaf perspective and context. She supplemented the training course with educational presentations and videos, guest lectures, group discussions, and role-playing sessions as well as provided multiple references and resources; at the same time, she established a strong connection with us as individuals and as a group. Not only did I gain an intensive education about deaf women and violence, I also made new friends I would have never met under normal circumstances. Everyone should go through this, because it’s the kind of information and experience you will not receive in a formal academic setting or even in a hearing domestic violence agency.” - Volunteer

“My volunteer experience with the DeafHope staff is an enjoyable and inspiring one. The knowledge the staff has about abuse and how it affects women and children is amazing. They understand the toll it takes on a person and they have the expertise to deal with the clients and the system, not to mention a vast reservoir of resources. I applaud their dedication, passion and resolve to make a difference in this world. It is my pleasure to be a small part of their dream.” - Volunteer

“As a domestic violence survivor myself, I was looking for a way to give something back to the deaf community. I am still very much amazed with DeafHope’s availability of services for the deaf survivors, wishing they were available at that time of my greatest need. Their training on domestic violence and sexual assault is offered by DeafHope’s certified trainer. With great enthusiasm, I undertook the training. I felt I would make a good advocate as advocates provide a valuable service for survivors experiencing violence. I desperately needed such advocates myself but unfortunately they weren’t available at that time! DeafHope’s trainer is to be commended for her expertise in this area and for the excellence in her training. Her central point is for us, the advocates, to support and empower Deaf survivors. I am very grateful for this opportunity to give something back.” - Survivor and Advocate

“I have always supported DeafHope as I truly do see a need for the services in the Bay Area deaf community. I have witnessed several occasions amongst my friends. The domestic violence workshop I took with DeafHope staff made me much more aware of what’s happening out there and that it is more widespread than everyone thinks. We need to continue to support the good values and break the cycle of hopelessness in every family.” - Advocate

“My child and I would not be living a secure life without DeafHope’s advocates. The advocates from DeafHope have helped me through my most difficult times and they made sure I received appropriate help in order for my child and I to live safely. There were times I would only want to talk about something that was bothering me. My peer advocate listened without fail and provided sound advice, which helped me adopt a positive outlook in so many circumstances. I really appreciate having DeafHope and I feel confident that the other survivors will benefit greatly from DeafHope advocates’ support and guidance that comes from their hearts. Furthermore, the advocates’ dedication assures me that we can live our lives safely and successfully.” - Survivor and Advocate