Survivor shares how Voices Against Violence helped her heal; 'In Their Shoes' event to raise awareness

Read the full article as samessenger.com. Below is an excerpt.

After surviving a turbulent relationship, Khayli is finding peace – and herself – at Voices Against Violence’s newest domestic violence shelter.

Through workshops and communal living, Khayli is receiving the support she needs to grow and heal from both a substance use addiction and an abusive boyfriend.

“It’s a shelter, but it’s also not,” Khayli told the Messenger. “It’s home. This is our home.”

Khayli and her young son moved to Safe Roots Healing Collective, the new Fairfield Street shelter, back in February. Six other families live there too, creating a community of survivors and staff who hold each other up.

“At Safe Roots, we’re trying to help folks understand healthy communication, healthy friendships, healthy boundaries,” director Shannon McMahon said. “These are all things we were taught that we have to unlearn, or things we never were taught that we have to learn.”

Voices Against Violence is one of a number of programs in St. Albans operated by the Champlain Valley Office of Economic Opportunity. NorthWest Family Foods and Samaritan/Tim’s House help those struggling with food insecurity and homelessness, respectively. Franklin & Grand Isle Community Action supports folks with financial assistance and housing case management, tax preparation, home heating and utility assistance and more.

Community members can walk in the shoes of Khayli and others experiencing hardships Saturday, May 24 during “In Their Shoes,” a fundraiser for CVOEO programs.

The event kicks off at 1 p.m. in Taylor Park rain or shine. After brief remarks, attendees will take a guided walking tour of the city’s human service providers, including Voices, Tim’s House, Martha’s Kitchen and Spectrum Youth & Family Services.

“It might be better to call this event a walk ‘in your shoes,’” Paul Dragon, executive director of CVOEO, said in 2024. “It’s a time for self-reflection and understanding, to see the people around us and to pay attention.”

A crowd of about 40 attended last year’s event. At each stop, program staff shared information about the organization’s services and answered questions.

“Being here, my shell definitely cracked,” Khayli said. “I’m less guarded. I feel safe.”