Get Help Now1-800-382-5603
Stories Help Us Understand Other People
At Family Crisis Centers, we hear many stories inside our walls.
Stories are a powerful way to help people understand the impact violence has on others. When you read another person’s story, you’re able to relate to that person and empathize with what they’ve gone through.
The Inside Story is where you’ll hear stories of many kinds that have an impact on Family Crisis Centers. You’ll hear stories from survivors about the abuse and crime they experienced. You’ll hear stories from volunteers about why they choose to give their time to our mission. You’ll hear stories from donors about why they feel passionate about investing in the sustainability of Family Crisis Centers. We’ll also share important news and updates about our organization right here.
This holiday season, join us in bringing smiles to children and families at our Family Visitation & Exchange Center. Help us replenish our toy collection with new or gently used items by selecting an ornament from our tree at Renewed Hope Thrift Store in Sioux Center or shopping directly from our wish list.
At Renewed Hope Thrift Store, we believe that every item we sell represents more than just a secondhand treasure—it represents a second chance for someone in need. Our recent rebrand, transitioning from Melissa’s Hope Chest to Renewed Hope Thrift Store, reflects a deeper alignment with our mission to offer support, dignity, and hope to survivors of domestic violence, human trafficking, and other crimes. This new identity is not just a change in name but a celebration of the transformation we see every day, both in the lives of the people we serve and the community we support.
October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the lives lost to abuse and take action to support survivors. From our powerful Empty Chair Display to community initiatives like Hope in Action and donation opportunities, learn how you can make a difference and help end the cycle of violence.
Read one survivor's powerful story of courage as they recount the emotional experience of facing their abuser in court. Discover the impact of seeking justice and reclaiming their voice.
Family Crisis Centers is providing the official Notice of Letting for the visitation center renovation project. View the Notice of Letting here.
I actually did it. I got out. It still feels surreal to say it – I never thought I would want to leave, let alone find the strength to go through with it. He got me to believe that I deserved it all. “He wouldn’t do this if you were a better partner,” I’d think […]
Tick. Tick. Tick. Could time move any slower?? Brent* was struggling to keep his eyelids open, let alone pretend to pay attention, while the English teacher droned on and on about participles and subjunctive tenses and….oh honestly, she might as well have been speaking French. He hated English. The teacher probably hated him for sleeping […]
To my lovestruck teenage friends: First off, I’m not judging you. After all, I was you for a lot of years. And if I’m honest, sometimes I still fall into your dreamy, can’t-see-past-that-gorgeous-smile ways. I know you want to be in love. And I’m sure this guy or girl in your life seems like the best thing to ever […]
We’re pretty good at safety in the US. We teach our kids to look both ways before crossing the road. We tell them not to talk to or take candy from a stranger. We lock our homes and cars, put up cameras, and install alarm systems. As an added layer of security, some of us […]
“Why didn’t you just leave?” This is a question our survivors hear a lot. Unfortunately, loved ones, strangers, and even professionals don’t always understand the complexities of abuse and trauma. It’s not something you can easily walk away from and it can happen to ANYONE. One survivor shares her perspective: I was a certified domestic […]