Seven Stories from One week.

This year for our annual appeal, we decided to compile stories from the real-life experiences of our TTD Advocates and the people they serve. Each day of the week represents a different branch of the holistic and comprehensive services we provide to those affected by domestic violence.  

We do this and more 52 weeks a year, 24/7.

Sunday 10 AM Shelter 

“You did it!” Megan, a TTD shelter advocate, goes to high fives James*. James learned to tie his shoes, just in time to start kindergarten the following week. He’s been staying at the shelter with his mom for 9 months. He’s young enough that one day he might forget why his mom sought out the safety of our shelter, but he’ll never forget the kindness that the TTD shelter staff showed him, or the lifelong lesson Megan taught him that morning. 

Monday 12:00 PM EPIC Midcoast Maine 

Eileen* finally feels some relief; she just hung up the phone with Chauntelle, one of TTD’s Enhanced Police Intervention Collaboration advocates. Eileen’s former partner had violated her Protection from Abuse order. “Thank you so much for calling to check in,” Eileen told Chauntelle, “I haven’t felt believed or supported [by the legal system], and I don’t have any friends or family who talk to me about this or what I’m going through.” Chauntelle was there to explain the next steps in the criminal case and hold space for Eileen in her time of need. 

Tuesday 10:00 AM Community Education and Prevention 

“Oh my god! This is in my language!” a young college student exclaims, pointing to a stack of tear-off cards. She calls all her friends over in Somali, and they pass around the small pad of paper. They tell Katie, a TTD Community Education and Prevention advocate, that we were the only table at the community resource fair to have materials in their language; “It’s like you are speaking directly to us.” 

Wednesday 7:00 PM DVIP 

“I don’t have the full story, but it just didn’t sit right with me,” says Matthew, one of TTD’s Domestic Violence Intervention Program educators. “Before class tonight, Jake* said something to another DVIP participant that makes me think he might try to contact his ex-girlfriend.” On the other end of the phone is Jen, a TTD advocate; together they have over 50 years’ worth of advocacy experience at TTD. “Thanks for the heads up” First thing the in morning Jen will call Jake’s ex-girlfriend to check in and safety plan.  Cumberland County ‘s only DVIP program is nestled under TTD, this may allow us to catch situations even before they happen. 

Thursday 6:00 PM Online Support Group 

“I’m so grateful to be here. This is the first time I’ve been able to speak to anyone who understands” Amika* tells everyone during her first online support group. Lara, a TTD advocate who’s been facilitating this group for 2 years, usually knows what to expect of first timers; they sit back and observe, cautious of what to share. However, Amika jumped right in, she finally found the right place to start healing.  

Friday 3:00PM Portland Courthouse. 

Allie, a TTD advocate, stands between Quinn* and their abuser as the judge calls out their case on the docket. It’s the first time Quinn has been in the same room as their abuser since they filed for a Protection from Abuse order. It’s terrifying, but they’re not alone; with Allie at their side, they can face this, face them. “Yes, Your Honor, I am still seeking a final protection order.” Allie squeezes Quinn’s hand and whispers, “you got this, I’m right here.” 

Saturday Helpline 3:00 PM  

Haley, a TTD advocate, settles in with her cup of coffee and returns the call that just came into TTD’s helpline. Brian* is calling for the first time. “My neighbor told me about you, she told me I really needed to call you. But I’m sure you have lots of other people you need to talk to; I don’t want to waste your time.” “I’m so glad you called, Brian,” Haley replies, “Your call is never a waste of time; it’s why we’re here.” This afternoon Brian will share his experience with DV for the first time. “Thank you for believing me, I’ve never felt so seen before, I wish I reached out sooner”