Samantha, Javon & Jessica
Making the decision to actually leave is one of the strongest choices anyone can make.
—Samantha
Leaving an abusive situation is rarely simple. For survivors of domestic violence, the path to safety is fraught with emotional, financial, and logistical challenges. The decision to leave often means reimagining an entire life from scratch—and it takes incredible courage.
At BEDS Plus, our Families in Transition Program provides more than just housing—it offers a path to independence, stability, and a safer future. Our team works closely with survivors to address not only their immediate need for safe shelter but also the long-term challenges of rebuilding their lives.
“Making the decision to actually leave is one of the strongest choices anyone can make in a domestic violence situation,” says Samantha Sibrava, Senior Case Manager for domestic violence families in transition. “Many survivors come to us thinking they can’t escape because they’ve tried before or haven’t had the resources. We show them all the support we provide—not just housing, but intensive case management and wraparound services.”
For many survivors, being housed doesn’t mean their challenges are over. Ongoing court cases, parenting supervision, financial recovery, and health concerns are just some of the hurdles that remain after leaving an abusive environment. Financial isolation and there for lack of credit by their abusers often make independent living difficult.
“Because abusers often isolate clients, many haven’t had opportunities to connect with services, or build essential life skills,” Samantha explains. “We help them furnish their new homes, learn to communicate with landlords, manage money, and navigate employment opportunities. These skills are essential for long-term stability.”
Case managers witness the profound impact of these services every day. Jessica Madrid, Case Manager, shares, “It feels fantastic to know that we’re helping them get out of that situation—not just for themselves, but sometimes for the little ones they’re caring for.”
Javon Harris, Director of Transitional Housing, emphasizes the importance of restoring autonomy: “Giving someone the power to say no, giving them their independence back so they no longer have to accept things done against them—that’s why I come in here every day.”
The fastest-growing population of survivors they’re seeing are younger individuals, and their challenges can be even greater. Many have grown up normalizing abuse, either through personal experience or by witnessing it in their families. Without access to safe housing, running away may seem like the only option—putting them at higher risk for homelessness, exploitation, and trafficking.
“It’s always rewarding to move a client into their own apartment and see the peace on their face,” Samantha says. “You can see their gratitude for the services and support as they begin to rebuild their lives.”
The Families in Transition Program goes beyond rental assistance, offering comprehensive support including counseling, financial literacy, employment navigation, and connections to community resources such as Heartland Bank’s Fiscal Responsibility Program, PILLARS counseling, and Cars for Hope transportation assistance. These tools equip survivors not just to leave, but to thrive.
Through dedicated case management, safe housing, and wraparound services, BEDS Plus empowers survivors to reclaim their lives. Every apartment, service plan, and goal achieved represents a step toward independence and a brighter future for families who have experienced trauma.
“When you’re able to give someone their power and independence back, that’s why you show up every day,” Javon reflects.