*Kat asked for her face not to be shown, in order to protect her identity and keep her safe.

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Many people who come through the doors of the Springs Rescue Mission are homeless, addicted, and desperate for a good meal and warm bed. Others, like Kat, come looking for healing.

For Kat, 61, and other domestic violence survivors, the SRM campus is so much more than a shelter or a soup kitchen — it's a refuge, a rest and a spiritual sanctuary.

“The volunteers; the people; the smiles: it’s wonderful," she said. “It’s not home, but it’s good place to live ... and it's safe."‍

Humble Beginnings‍

Kat had a relatively normal childhood in Michigan. Her father was a  science teacher in Saginaw, where Kat grew up, and her mother was primarily a homemaker.

“It was a “GM town… we were middle class, and we did all things that other people did," she said.

A self-described "daddy's girl," Kat's eyes still sparkle with fondness when she speaks of him — even decades after his death.

“My dad was wonderful," she said. "Absolutely wonderful."

It was Kat's father who instilled in her a thirst for knowledge and learning that has led to her taking several classes during her time at the Mission. Those classes are taught on topics like leasing, finances, vocational training and finding your "core purpose" in life (that one is Kat's favorite).

“Each of us has a purpose and we don’t always know what it is," she said. "I have a very good idea that it’s being around people, because I enjoy people."‍

Headed West‍

In 2019, Kat's boyfriend violently attacked her — leaving her beaten and scared.

In fear for her life, she contacted friends in Colorado Springs and left her home in Michigan for good.

"I was absolutely terrified," she said. "I really thought he'd kill me if I didn't get out of there."

Kat's wounds healed and she began to get back on her feet. Within months, she had her own apartment and a steady cleaning job. Life seemed to be leveling out.

But when Kat was hospitalized for emergency health issues later that year, her loss of income and massive medical bills resulted in her becoming homeless.

"It really could happen to anyone," she said. "That's the scary part."

Despite ongoing health problems, Kat got busy about the business of rebuilding her life once again. She took classes, participated in vocational training and began the process of finding work and housing.

One night, she woke up in her bed in the women's shelter with unimaginable chest pains and quickly went into cardiac arrest. Paramedics resuscitated her several times on the way to the hospital, where she underwent emergency surgery for pacemaker.

“They saved my life over and over," Kat said. "I'm just grateful to be alive."

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Not Giving Up‍

Despite life's many curveballs, Kat is known throughout the Mission to radiate positivity.

“I am the pep-talk person around here,” she said. “I can find pep talks for almost anybody, and sometimes it’s the only kind words they get. ... It’s another way to give back.”

That positivity doesn't always come easy. After Kat's experience with domestic violence, she said it’s difficult to feel safe anywhere. And the resulting trauma is something she continues to live with.

“Every once in a while, I see something and that just brings the whole thing back to me," she said. "So I started going to therapy [available at the Mission through a partner health agency], and it’s working.”

Kat says her experience with domestic violence gives her a unique appreciation for the level of safety and security on the Springs Rescue Mission campus today.

In 2021, Springs Rescue Mission enclosed its campus and created a single point of entry, which resulted in women like Kat feeling more comfortable seeking services and staying in the shelter. In fact, the number of women who stay at SRM on any given night has since tripled.

"I really do feel safe here," she said.‍

What's Next

‍These days, Kat keeps busy with classes, vocational training and healthcare appointments.

Her goals are to get an apartment, settle in and find a job where she gets to interact with people.In her time at the Mission, Kat's faith in God has deepened and the wounds of her past have continued to heal. She values the support she's found from a committed community of fellow guests and staff, and the access to services that will help her continue to thrive.

“I’m easier on myself now," she said. "I used to be my own worst critic, and between therapy and [classes], it made that much of a difference in my life."

When asked if there was anything she'd like to tell supporters of Springs Rescue Mission directly, Kat had this to say:

"Please know that are making a difference in so many people’s lives. So many people are grateful. We’re safe now. And working our way out. Thank you, and please don't stop."

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