Former Shelter Survivor Heads To New York City

Chloe Thompson is moving to New York City after working at the Boise shelter that saved her life as a child.

Thompson was eight years old when she and her mother fled an abusive home in Idaho. She recalled opening a bedroom door to see her mother being attacked. When her mother told her to run, Thompson instead climbed on top of the attacker. He threw her off, and she struck her back against a bed frame. She got up, grabbed a phone, and threatened to call 911. The pair escaped out the back door without taking any belongings.

They sought refuge at the WCA, formerly the Women's and Children's Alliance, in downtown Boise. Thompson said she felt a sense of peace immediately upon entering the facility. Her mother and she stayed for about three months. During that time, they received counseling and support. Her mother also learned skills to help them rebuild their lives. The organization currently serves approximately 4,000 people annually.

CEO Laura Honn noted that federal funding for domestic abuse services continues to decline. Honn explained that the agency provides wraparound services, including safe shelter where clients can stay for up to seven months. These services include counseling, case management, and financial empowerment. Honn said these resources help clients move forward from their trauma.

Thompson returned to the WCA years later to work there. She said she wanted to give back to the organization that changed her life. The experience at the shelter provided a foundation for her personal and professional growth. That stability allowed her to take new risks later in life.

Thompson is preparing to move across the country to New York City. She said she would not have taken this leap without the groundwork the WCA provided for her and her mother. The organization continues to offer resources to survivors of domestic abuse and sexual assault.