Tonya Flowers decided to help victims by opening a non-profit organization in Darlington.
“I said lord, there’s got to be more. Where do I go from here,” said founder Tonya Flowers.
Flowers was a victim of domestic violence at a young age.
“I lost my mom due to domestic violence at the hands of my stepfather at the age of 12 and I witnessed everything. I ended up in the same cycle, doing the same thing and stayed there for 9 years,” said Flowers.
The founder said she stayed in the relationship of 9 years due to addiction and because she had nowhere else to go. After she had two children, everything changed.
“If I didn’t have my children, I don’t think I would’ve survived. I would be dead or still out there,” said Flowers.
Flowers decided to turn her life around, not only for herself but for others going through a similar situation.
“From there it inspired me to do more for the community,” said Flowers.
She started a non-profit organization called ‘House of Refuge Outreach Ministry’ in Darlington which provides counseling for women, children and homeless going through physical, mental, and emotional abuse.
“I get joy out of helping others. That makes me feel good, to see somebody else get delivered and at the same time knowing that was once you,” said Flowers.
The founder opened another ministry in Mocksville, North Carolina and hopes to reach different counties in the future.
“God thought of me, chose me to deliver where I can pull someone else out. That gives me joy,” said Flowers.
If you would like to donate to the non-profit organization, click here.