A warm bed, shelter, food, clothing, counseling, caring, comfort … these are some of the things that women and children have received since they have been part of Hetty's Haven, a transitional home named in memory of Grass Valley resident Hetty Williams.

Since its opening four months ago, Hetty's Haven has provided shelter and services to 21 women and their children rebuilding their lives after living with domestic violence.

“I had no idea such a place existed to help me and my kids,” said one client, who did not want her name used in print. “When I walked in the front door, my eyes teared up. It did not look at all what I imagined of ‘a shelter.' It was so warm and beautiful! ”

My heart goes out to each of them as they struggle to put the past behind them. Some of these women have left everything behind to protect their most precious possessions — their children — who are being used by their abuser as pawns for control.

One woman has been stalked from state to state for two years trying to escape her abuser. Another came to us pregnant and in fear that her perpetrator was going to slam her into the wall one too many times and take the life of her unborn child.

It has taken great courage for each of these women to make the choice to leave because statistics show that the most dangerous time of all is the actual breaking away. That was the moment when Hetty Williams was killed in 2005 by her estranged husband.

The women at Hetty's Haven have melded as a family to defend and have an unconditional willingness to help their “sisters.” They share a bond outsiders can rarely comprehend.

I have the privilege of watching these women slowly come out of their shells and open up to a “sister” who understands exactly what she is going through — such as fear of walking out the front door to go to the store.

Today will be the first Christmas at Hetty's Haven — a time of new life and re-building happy memories for the holidays. Some of these children have never experienced the traditions that make Christmas joyous, such as a tree with lights and trimmings and stockings hung on the mantel with their names on them.

Before the opening of Hetty's Haven, many local people and groups assisted in completely cleaning, painting and refurbishing the leased home in preparation for its opening.

This safe haven opened in Nevada County to fill a need for women and children needing a safe and supportive place to live while rebuilding their lives free of violence. Under the auspices of Women of Worth, Hetty's Haven is strongly supported by western Nevada County through private giving, foundation grants and thousands of volunteer hours.

Sandy Schmidt is the director and founder of Women of Worth, and is a survivor of domestic violence.