There comes a point in many people’s lives when they realize that things have got to change. Krista Loveland came to that point when her now ex-husband almost killed her at the height of their abusive marriage. As a result, she left him, knowing that she and her children deserved better.

They entered into the social services system without knowing what to do or what to expect.  In the system, Krista found the stability that she needed for her children, but also saw gaps in the services.  A concern for other women she met along the way began to grow within her.  Krista decided that she wanted use her skills to help better the system.

Krista has finally regained all she had lost from her abusive marriage, and more.  She helps local women and their children with the same problems she once suffered from. Krista completed degrees in both Psychology and Family & Human Services from the University of Oregon in 2004 and is just under a year away from receiving her Master’s degree.

Krista started WINS (Women’s Information Network Services) in 2002 out of two cupboards and a donated space.  It has since grown into a successful program.  The WINS program offers services such as emergency shelter vouchers, emergency transportation, food, clothing, diapers, baby items, formula, prenatal information, and referrals to safe houses and other services.  It also provides low or no cost therapeutic and drug/alcohol counseling services by certified professionals, weekly networking meetings, and a one-year therapeutic sheltering program called the Transformation House for victims, and their children, of domestic violence.

Krista has expanded the organization to include the Once Again thrift store and the Tea &Things tea shop.  Both are staffed by volunteers and help fund the organization. However, Krista’s newest and most inspiring addition is the Transformation House.

For the first time, Cottage Grove’s local women have a place to go to escape their violent relationships. This program differs from most safe houses in that it requires a one-year commitment. This allows the women ample time to accomplish the changes to be able to stand on their own feet confidently.

“What happens is that your self-efficacy is destroyed and you feel isolated… We’re not just administering a service, we are asking them to be included in the program,” Krista explains. “The only way to rebuild self-esteem and self-efficacy is through successes and accomplishments. We let them know that they are valuable and that we appreciate them.”

Another difference is that most safe houses do not allow male children over the age of 6; at the Transformation House they believe that all ages of male children need to be safe.  They need to be out of the violent environment and learn social skills that will prevent them from carrying on the cycle of violence.

Breaking that cycle is very important; another part of it is breaking the negative thoughts that surround women of abuse. After talking with these women, one hears a broken part of them that doesn’t believe in love or respect anymore. When a person has been convinced that he or she is nothing and is terrified to even take a breath, the idea of formulating a plan and getting away seems too overwhelming to even consider.

The house has been a dream of Krista’s for the past three years and it has been a reality for the last three months. She describes the process as much like that of giving birth to a child, “You carry it in you, you give birth to it, and now it’s in its toddler stages…it’s part of my life, part of my passion and part of my faith in God.”

One house member remarks that, “It is helping me stay clean and sober and get to where I can be self-sufficient. After just four months I am rebuilding relationships with my family and dealing with my anxiety. I don’t know what I would have done without this program here in Cottage Grove.”

The program has great support from community foundations including the Woodard Family Foundation, Doyle & Donna Sheppard Foundation, Self Development of People, McKenzie Gathering Foundation, and the Faye & Lucille Stewart Foundation.  With their help it is growing quickly to aid as many families as possible.

Visit the WINS website at www.cgwins.org to see how you can help the women and children of Cottage Grove.  Any quality used donations are welcome.

The need to help others is ingrained in all our being.  Krista Loveland’s example of making a promise to herself to extend her gifts, talents, and love to other people is one we can all learn from.  Aiding others has helped her to realize that life is truly blessed.