Separation from the family is one of the saddest situations that someone could experience. This unfortunate happening challenges Janice San Pedro to achieve good opportunities in life. At an early age, she learned that she is a daughter from the another family. The feeling of being disregarded and neglected in the family convinced Janice to separate from her own family and start a new life as an independent woman she wants to be.
Dreaming for a more comfortable and happy environment, Janice experienced working as a house helper from different families, presuming to elevate herself in more stable and fortunate conditions in life. However, as a result of coming in and out from several households, her dream of having peace of mind turned into a nightmare. Janice experienced physical, emotional, and sexual abuse from some families she worked in. She felt empty and hopeless in life due to the circumstances she encountered. She escaped and started to roam around on the streets to live and strive to survive. A glimpse of hope came to Janice’s life when a concerned citizen approached and asked relevant information about her life. At first, Janice hesitantly disclosed any personal information as she does not want to go back to her family. She thought it is better to live on the streets because it gave her freedom, unlike the negative feelings of pain she experienced whenever she was with her family. Her heartbreaking story opened the door for Janice to be part of the Haven for Women.
On her first day in the Center, Janice has a huge trust issue. She is still reluctant to make friends and open herself. Through a series of counseling, inclusion to group sessions, and regular chit-chats, she started a gradual transformation. Her acquaintance turned friends even gave her the nickname, “Maria”. Eventually, she learned to embrace a positive outlook in life.
She acquired skills in tailoring and cooking. She also managed to learn many things in the institution as she prepares herself to engage in the community.
After the series of tests and counseling, life engagement, and continuous participation in the center’s projects, she slowly regained consciousness and recovered her awareness in life. Through the compassion and effort of the Center, Janice’s family was located, and they started to rebuild their relationship.
October 21, 2020, is the most awaited day for Janice. She was discharged in HFW and finally reunited with her family to start a new life as a matured and healed individual. Janice also received medical and financial assistance from the foundation, which helped her establish her goals in life.
Today, Janice is now with her family and making the most out of the time lost when she decided to leave her family. She expressed her gratitude towards the DSWD Haven for Women and all the staff and residents who selflessly shared themselves to redeem a woman who was once lost in life.
“Masaya po ako na nakabalik ako sa aking pamilya. Marami akong nasayang na panahon at gusto kong makabawi sa mga nasayang na oras at panahon na hindi ko sila nakasama. Aalagaan at ipaparamdam ko ang pagmamahal na nararapat ibigay ng isang ina sa kanyang anak. Tutulong din ako sa aking pamilya. Lubos ang aking pasasalamat sa DSWD at sa Haven for Women sa pagtulong , pagtanggap at pagmamahal na ipinaramdam nila sa akin. Isa po kayo sa nagbigay sa akin ng pag-asa upang magpatuloy sa kabila ng hamon ng buhay.” Janice expressed.
Haven National Center for Women is a residential care facility that provides temporary shelter, care, and protection to women victims of gender-based violence ages 18-59. ###