Our mission

At The Secret Garden Path

We are more than just an organization; we are a community dedicated to empowering women and children affected by abuse. Our mission goes beyond providing support; we aim to educate and enlighten individuals about the complex cycle of psychological, physical, financial, and sexual abuse. Through understanding, compassion, and connection, we empower victims to recognize their worth and find strength in solidarity.

About the Founder

I was raised in the South Bronx, and even though we were poor, I never felt that way. We didn’t have much, but we managed well. Growing up with my friends at the St. Johns Housing Projects provided a rich life experience. We knew each other well but never spoke about our parents, their employment, or even if they had jobs.

Raised by Puerto Rican parents, we were taught that what happened at home stayed at home. Our parents, especially my mother, disapproved of discussing or arguing about unpleasant or private matters in front of others. This is why, to this day, none of my friends knew that my siblings and I lived in fear every Friday, fearing it would be the day our father would kill our mother.

Our History

Founded on July 7, 2022, The Secret Garden Path was birthed from a deeply personal vision to create a haven for those scarred by abuse. Inspired by personal experiences and the realization of how psychological abuse can deflate one’s will, we saw the urgent need for a platform that not only supports but educates victims. Our main goal is to inform women about the intricacies of abuse, helping them understand that the victim is never at fault. Through education, we believe in empowering women to help others around them, creating a ripple effect of awareness and support.

Living as a child of domestic violence in those days, I believe God used it to further His plan. Today, I am a retired Law Enforcement Victim Advocate with over 20 years of experience working with victims of domestic violence.

Now, I dedicate myself to speaking with women who want to learn about the cycle of domestic violence or have been in an abusive relationship. I strive to create a sisterhood through support groups, where women can share their experiences to help others.

Though my father is no longer with us, his abusive behavior taught me to have compassion for those on the receiving end of any type of abuse. He gave me the willpower to share my story without embarrassment and the strength to approach this delicate subject with empathy. I want other women to know that I understand what they are saying.

As the saying goes, “You can’t understand someone until you’ve walked a mile in their shoes.” My journey has shaped me, and now I use my experience to support and empower others facing domestic violence.

Our Services

Support Groups

Welcome! Join us online to learn about domestic violence through support groups.

Meetings are coming soon!

Transitional Domestic Violence Shelter (Future Plan)

Looking ahead to 2024, we aspire to open a Transitional Domestic Violence Shelter for women and their children. This shelter will offer resources such as skill-building, support groups, and living skills, allowing participants to transition into a life free from abuse. Our vision includes providing housing for those who are homeless due to domestic violence or after their stay at an emergency shelter is exhausted.

Our Target Audience

Abuse knows no boundaries, and neither do we. While our primary focus is on stay-at-home moms, working moms, and donors, we recognize that abuse can affect anyone. Our services are designed to reach a broad audience, providing essential information, support, and community to those who wish to learn more about abuse and find support groups for domestic violence.

Our Commitment to Safety and Privacy

Your safety and privacy are paramount to us. We offer ways to leave our site quickly and recommend regularly clearing browser history for secure browsing. Our support groups require confidentiality agreements to ensure a safe and private space for sharing and healing.

Resources

Find additional support and information at the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

Contact Us

Email us at info@thesecretgardenpath.com.