A Single Mom’s Pursuit of Justice for Her Family

Wendy’s Story - A Single Mom’s Pursuit of Justice for Her Family

While Not Alone does not typically share real names or photos, this time we are making an exception at the family’s request. They want their truth to be known, and it is our deep honor to share their story.

On October 13, 2010, Wendy fled her home with her three children, then ages 7, 10, and 14, after a domestic violence incident. With only $32 to her name, she was shocked to learn their bank accounts had been drained. She would, over time, discover her husband had made devastating financial decisions without her knowledge - from which they could not recover. They went into hiding and remained hidden until a protection order was secured.

Things would only get worse. Wendy began to uncover the full extent of what had been happening behind closed doors. Not only had her husband exhibited increasingly concerning behavior toward her, but the children disclosed that their father had been touching them inappropriately. Wendy acted immediately, reporting the abuse and fully cooperating with authorities throughout the investigation.

In March 2013, after a lengthy legal process, the children’s father was tried and convicted on all charges. His sentence was long and included the possibility of life in prison if he refused to complete mandated sexual offender rehabilitation, which he refused.

For the first time in years, Wendy and her children were free from his control and abuse. But healing would take a long time. The church the family had called home chose not to walk through the crisis or its aftermath with them. Yet God faithfully provided a new church community in Colorado Springs that welcomed Wendy and the kids with compassion and played a significant role in their healing.

Over the next decade-plus, Wendy poured herself into rebuilding her family's life. As a single mother, she worked tirelessly to provide stability, pursue healing through therapy, and create a safe future as her children grew into adulthood. Drawing on her own pain and experience, she founded a nonprofit organization, Arise to Freedom, to support other women facing crisis and domestic violence (check it out HERE).

During this season, Wendy worked her day job at a local elementary school while running her nonprofit in the evenings and on weekends. Eventually, she also joined the Not Alone team part-time, helping other single mothers in crisis by offering hope drawn from her own story.

Then, in 2024, the family’s world was shaken once again. On a technicality, the man’s original conviction was overturned. Suddenly, the abusive husband and father was released into the community without probation or restrictions.

The shock and fear were immense.

Immediately, Wendy was surrounded by her support system. Not Alone installed security cameras at her home, friends provided practical help, and many people prayed continuously.

The district attorney quickly announced his intention to retry the case. Once again, Wendy and her children, now adults, stepped forward and prepared for trial. What followed was long, emotionally exhausting, and riddled with delays. The defense changed legal teams multiple times, repeatedly postponing the trial. When it finally began on February 4th, 2026, it lasted more than a week. Wendy, her children, and numerous witnesses and experts took the stand and endured hours of harsh questioning by the defense as they recounted deeply painful experiences. To prevent the same technical issue that overturned the first conviction, the family was restricted from mentioning many aspects of the defendant’s history, including his prior conviction and other documented crimes, such as physical violence, psychological abuse, financial fraud, violations of the protection order, and a DUI arrest. 

In the middle of this difficult week, there was a glimmer. The photo above was taken.

On Sunday, February 8th, during church service, another mom in Not Alone’s community felt prompted to capture a photo of Wendy worshipping, hands raised, declaring her trust in God’s faithfulness as she sang "Firm Foundation." At the time, no one knew how meaningful that image would become. Looking back, it stands as a powerful image of unwavering faith amid uncertainty.

On February 10, 2026, the jury began deliberations.

For two days, Wendy and her children waited. Many single moms in Not Alone's community have been victims not only of their abusers but also of the courts, which dismissed their victimhood. Verdicts have been unpredictable and traumatizing. Would this one be the same?

Then, on February 12th, the verdict was read:

Guilty on all six charges.

The defendant was immediately arrested in the courtroom.

The relief that followed is difficult to put into words - tears streaming, prayers of gratitude, and the collective exhale of a family and community who had carried this burden for years. Several jurors later approached Wendy and her children to express compassion and support, especially after learning the full history they had not been permitted to tell during the trial.

We recognize that many survivors of abuse and domestic violence do not receive justice through the legal system. This outcome is not something we take for granted. It is a profound gift and a testament to courage, perseverance, and faith. We praise God for this justice!

Not Alone is deeply honored to have Wendy on the staff and leadership team. Her story reflects resilience, redemption, and God’s sustaining presence even in the darkest chapters.

Photo below of Wendy and her three (now) adult children, taken immediately after the trial.