Written by The Coburn Place Team What’s one of the first things that comes to mind each fall? Heading back to school and new beginnings probably top your list. It’s a time for reflecting where you’ve been and looking toward the future. We are so honored to be able to do this throughout the year with our families and with you. Here’s the story of one Coburn Place graduate with whose new beginning turned into a bright future, because of your support. When Cheryl was growing up in Indianapolis, she attended Indianapolis Public School #66, Henry P. Coburn, the same building that now houses Coburn Place. There’s no way as a young girl she could have imagined the impact it would have on her life as an adult. Cheryl first returned to her former school to donate goods from our wish list. Her life, on the outside, seemed like a good one. She, her husband and five children lived a comfortable, middle class life. She even supported our former fundraiser, Designers’ Closet. What happened behind closed doors was a completely different story. Cheryl suffered physical and mental abuse at the hands of her husband. Her oldest son often became his target, too. When she would leave the house, more often than not, she would find her husband following her. Just as the national average would predict, it took seven times before she escaped for good. She made another trip to her former school. This time in need of our services. While living at Coburn Place, Cheryl and her children took advantage of individual and family counseling. Her three younger children participated in just about every activity possible – from afterschool tutoring sessions and art classes to summer camp and kids’ support group. Her oldest daughter enrolled in classes at IUPUI. She practiced her Spanish language skills with a Hispanic Coburn Place family. Today, her children are doing great. Her two middle sons attend Charles A. Tindley Accelerated School, where a mural on the wall proclaims “College… Or Die.” Her oldest daughter will graduate from IUPUI and already has a job as a Spanish language translator. Cheryl was grateful for the two years they had at Coburn Place. With a big smile and an inner strength you can see in her deep brown eyes she shared, “When you have a situation you don’t like, you can sit there and take it. Or you can do something.” A spiritual woman, she continued, “I had no power. I was beat up by life and the kids’ dad. I realized I didn’t have to take it anymore. Coburn Place birthed me from one stage to the next.” Cheryl has since started her own commercial cleaning business. When she needed help with a website, a contact from her Coburn Place days came through for her. Creative Street Media Group, long-time Coburn Place friends and supporters, offered their help. Once she grows her client base, she hopes to one day even be able to employ Coburn Place clients. Through the years, Cheryl has truly come full circle in many ways through her journey to Coburn Place and beyond. Coburn Place supporters made this new beginning possible for Cheryl and for the hundreds of residents who’ve lived here since we opened our doors in 1996. Become a Coburn Place supporter in the funnest way possible – as an attendee of our 7^th annual CoburnFest! on Saturday, September 12. CoburnFest! means a lot of different things to a lot of different people. It's a party with a purpose. It's a chance to get a peek at one of the most beautiful homes in central Indiana – the grant Lucas Estate. It's an opportunity to thank customers or employees. It's an excuse to dance like no one is watching. It's a night to enjoy the company of friends and family. It means something entirely different to Coburn Place families. It means hope. Hope for a home without violence. Hope for a future free from control and abuse. Your $135 ticket has the power to give hope and change lives. Truly.

• An adult and two children can live in safety for nine days.
• Or a child can receive two hours of therapy to begin the healing process.
• Or two adults, along with a professional and caring advocate, can establish personal plans for independence to create the lives they've always dreamed of leading.

We hope to see you there.  If for some reason you're still on the fence about going, you might want to read our blog post, The Top 10 Reasons You Should Go To CoburnFest!. #3 is guaranteed to make your night.