WHO: Lori, age 40, and her three children

AGENCY: Safe Futures provides free and confidential, trauma informed, client focused programs and services for those impacted by domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking and trafficking in southeastern Connecticut.

THEIR SITUATION: Lori and her three children have experienced a life of fear, manipulation and abuse. Lori's ex-husband, and the father of her children, is an angry and controlling person who repeatedly physically and sexually abused her. Even after Lori left her abusive marriage, her abuser still continues to try to control her by stalking her and withholding child care and support. Lori and her family are now part of the address protection program, which is helping them begin to feel safe and secure, something they have not felt in a long time. Lori continues to have nightmares due to the stress from enduring such trauma. The children are frightened, and Lori's son with special needs suffers from anxiety and is emotionally triggered with the thought of having to see this abuser. Lori is a very devoted single parent. She is involved in the schooling of all of her children and is especially attentive to their individual needs, wants and goals. Due to the strain the abuse has put on the family, Lori is struggling financially just to pay the rent. She would love to be able to provide for her children this holiday season. She is overwhelmed with gratitude for the work that staff and donors do at Safe Futures.

WHAT TO GIVE: Funds toward paying her rent, gift cards for groceries and necessities, boys clothing size 14, boys clothing size 16, girls' junior clothing size small, a set of pots and pans, twin bedding, and cleaning supplies.

TO DONATE: Safe Futures, ATTN: Make a Difference 2019, 16 Jay St., New London, CT 06320. Cash donations also may be made at SafeFuturesCT.org/donate; enter Make a Difference in the note.