A Journey of Courage: Devene’s Story

We’re honored to share the story of Devene—a strong, determined woman who faced incredible challenges and found the courage to start over for the sake of her children and herself.
In 2018, Devene moved from Buffalo to Ohio with her young son to begin a new chapter with her husband, filled with hope and dreams of a happy, supportive family life. The following year, they welcomed a beautiful daughter. But soon after, the relationship began to change. What started as emotional strain and manipulation gradually escalated into verbal and physical abuse.
After her daughter was born, things became more difficult, and over time, there were multiple incidents of physical violence. Devene found the strength to take action by pressing charges and returning to Buffalo to protect her children and begin again. But the journey was far from over.
Even after she left, her husband continued to manipulate and intimidate her—sometimes using false identities to communicate and making emotional threats. Fearing for her family’s safety and feeling immense pressure, Devene returned, hoping for real change. Promises were made, but the situation did not improve. Ultimately, she made the brave decision to leave for good and fully separate herself and her children from that harmful environment.
In 2021, after another difficult period, Devene reached out for help and was connected with the Matt Urban Center. Our team helped her find safe housing and access vital resources for her family. She and her children also received emotional support and counseling to begin healing from their experiences.
With time, care, and the right support, Devene began rebuilding her life. Her divorce was finalized in 2023, and in 2024 she took a major step forward by enrolling in a nursing program. Thanks to her hard work and the stability she found, she successfully completed her studies and began a new career.
Today, Devene is thriving. She has created a safe, loving home for her children, and is embracing a new beginning with strength and hope. We are proud to have supported her on this journey and inspired by her resilience. We wish her and her family continued peace, happiness, and success.eriam.