A new thrift store in Haines City is helping provide a safe haven for women in need.

Tela Harrison moved to Haines City six months ago to escape an abusive relationship.

I felt unsafe using public transit not knowing where their exact location was. Just being in that city, I just didnt feel safe anymore, Harrison said.

As she was getting situated, she experienced an anxiety attack for the first time in her life.

I hadnt really processed what I had been through, not just in the past two years but really most of my life. I think the survival mode and all the emotions from all the previous traumas just finally came up, Harrison said.

Harrison would later learn about The Women and Youth Center, a faith-based nonprofit, providing services to families in crisis, including transitional housi

See Full Page