“Lighthouse for me is a family. The staff helped me understand myself and my life circumstances. They helped me find answers to my questions and they gave me the love and attention I never had from my own family.
I will never forget the time when I was at my lowest and the Mamas and the management gave me comfort and told me that all of my sufferings had purpose. During that time I found relief and hope. I’m also grateful that we got to celebrate our birthdays there; it made us feel seen and loved.”
Friendship, inclusion, respect, and intimacy in friendships and family relationships are essential to a happy life.
Many of the girls do not have healthy relationships outside of Lighthouse and come to see the staff and fellow residents as their closest friends and family. Those relationships make life fulfilling and worthwhile.