WHO: Jessica, age 29, and her two children

AGENCY: Safe Futures Inc., formerly the Women's Center of Southeastern Connecticut

THEIR SITUATION: Jessica was a successful nurse working at one of the local hospitals when an attack by her abuser left her injured and unable to work. One night while Jessica's two young children were home, her partner forcefully grabbed her neck, strangled her to unconsciousness and, while she was struggling to breathe again, her partner threatened to kill their 5-month-old baby. Once she fully regained consciousness, she took both her young children into the bedroom, the only room with a lock, and called the police, who linked her to Safe Futures. While her abuser is incarcerated, Jessica has to overcome unemployment, single parenting to two small children and numerous other health concerns related to the abuse. Due to loss of income, she had to give up their apartment and is staying with friends. She hopes to move her family into a new apartment soon but is struggling to save enough money for the security deposit.

WHAT TO GIVE: Funds toward a security deposit, gift cards for groceries and necessities, boys clothing size 8, toddler clothing size 18 months, crib sheets, Star Wars game Xbox 1, Lego set and sorting/stacking toys for toddler.

TO DONATE: Safe Futures, ATTN: Make a Difference 2017, 16 Jay St., New London, CT 06320; cash donations also may be made online at SafeFuturesCT.org/donate; enter Make a Difference in note.