Trees of Hope and Safe Haven: Shawna’s survivor story

Safe Haven offers shelter and resources to people escaping domestic violence, and Shawna Larson has needed their services twice.

The first time, she was leaving an abusive marriage of 10 years.

“They’re there to make the transition because leaving is scary, and it’s hard,” Larson said. “For me, the first time, like I don’t know what I’m going to do after this because this is somebody I was with for 10 years.”

The second time, her mom had to rescue her after her youngest daughter’s dad held Larson captive for more than 8 months.

“He made me have contact with my mom so I couldn’t be reported missing,” she said.

She left with next to nothing.

“I literally had my youngest daughter’s car seat, and I think we had like a backpack and what we had on our back,” Larson said.

Safe Haven provided all of the basic comforts: clothes, a coat, bedding, and shampoo. They also helped her get into therapy, find an apartment, get a job, and more.

“A lot of times, you feel guilty and feel like you did something wrong. And I think that was one of the biggest things was that they did – especially the last time I was there was help me understand what happened was not my fault,” Larson said.

She’s doing well now, living in the Twin Cities area with her three daughters. She’s engaged to be married in six months.

“When I was in Safe Haven, I never thought I’d ever say that,” Larson said. “I was single for five years before I met my fiancé. And I think that a big part of that has to do with Safe Haven.”

Larson keeps in touch with the staff and said she thinks about them all the time.

“I don’t know any other program out there that cares about the people that come through their door like Safe Haven.”