Kelly Milliken, a volunteer at Caring Unlimited, embodies hope and resilience for those in need. Her journey from surviving domestic violence to advocating for others facing similar challenges is nothing short of inspiring.
"I've walked the same path, felt the same pain and now I aim to illuminate the way for others," Kelly declares passionately. "I firmly believe that everyone deserves help and support."
For over 5 years, Kelly has selflessly volunteered for Caring Unlimited’s 24-Hour Helpline, connecting callers to free, confidential support and personalized safety planning services.
Alongside providing direct aid and safety planning, the helpline assists friends, family members and others seeking information about domestic abuse and violence, as well as how to assist their loved ones.
As an overnight shift volunteer, Kelly says that the frequency of calls may vary, but the objective remains constant — to offer a compassionate ear and empathetic heart to those in need.
"We listen attentively, genuinely understanding their concerns, and we strive to make them feel heard and supported," she shares.
With each call, Kelly seeks to connect individuals with vital resources, whether it be legal assistance, shelter or food. Then, she collaborates with them to develop a plan so they can get the help they need.
"Sometimes, immediate solutions aren’t always possible, but we are committed to providing them with a pathway," she says, emphasizing the significance of instilling callers with direction and hope.
From her helpline experiences, Kelly reveals that some individuals simply desire to share their stories of abuse without actively seeking resources and crave an outlet to process their traumatic encounters.
"As a volunteer, my job is to listen attentively without overreacting and to offer a calm and supportive presence," explains Kelly.
She says that there are often numerous factors that influence a person’s decision to stay. Sometimes they remain in the relationship due to love, children, pets or financial ties.
“It is rarely an easy choice for a person to make, and sometimes just saying things out loud can help someone come to their own determination over time,” she says.
Kelly’s journey reminds us that it's okay to ask for help and important to talk about our feelings. Even in our darkest moments, a guiding light of hope can have the ability to lead up to a brighter future.
For more information about Caring Unlimited and the services they provide, visit them online at:
https://www.caring-unlimited.org/.
If you need immediate assistance relative to domestic violence support and safety planning, please call their 24 Hour Helpline 1-800-239-7298.
