Hope in the Dark Ministries

Hope in the Dark Ministries Brings Light to Survivors

It wasn’t her idea. But there was no denying it.

Cindy Bozell knew what she had to do.

Hope in the Dark Ministries was born from a calling that Bozell could not explain. Her experience with domestic violence had left her unsure of what the next chapter of her life would hold — until she was given a mission she could not deny. She fought the notion at first, but she knew God was telling her she needed to use her story to help other women.

She wanted to bring light into the dark, just as others had done for her.

“When you are in that situation, you can feel very alone,” Bozell says. “I had a lot of support, both emotionally and financially, but I still struggled. Many women face additional challenges. It takes a lot to recover and get back on your feet.”

Bozell’s story spans 20 years, from the first traumatic incident to the night she left for good. Her story is recounted in her book, “No Rain, No Roses,” which details her intimate journey of emotional and physical abuse, childhood trauma and other significant life events. Her primary purpose for sharing her story is to give hope to women experiencing similar crises.

Many excellent organizations help victims of domestic violence with immediate needs, assisting them on the path to safety and stability. When a woman goes out on her own to independent living, these organizations can initially provide essentials like rent, utilities, groceries and clothing, but they cannot financially assist the same woman multiple times in that transition to independence. According to the National Coalition Against Domestic Violence (NCADV), most women attempt to leave an abusive situation seven times on average before leaving permanently.

Hope in the Dark Ministries exists to fill the gaps for these women and their children, in the Delaware County. The organization is ramping up, making important connections in the community and planting seeds of awareness and support.

By collaborating with established programs like A Better Way, The Family Resource Center, the YWCA and others, Bozell believes women will get the right help at the right time. Hope in the Dark aims to assist with essential ongoing costs such as child care, gas and bus tickets, and referrals to other transitional services. Continued mentorship and support networks can be vital to help women achieve financial stability and regain independence.

Hope in the Dark will also help educate survivors and the public about domestic violence by distributing educational and resource packets, providing copies of “No Rain, No Roses” to shelters and speaking to community groups to increase awareness and support. Bozell will provide mentorship to women and will add additional Christian mentors as the ministry grows.

One in three women have been physically abused by an intimate partner in the U.S. Further, 30% to 60% of perpetrators also abuse children in the household, according to NCADV. The need is great.

October is Domestic Violence Awareness Month, and Hope in the Dark will be doubling down on awareness efforts and launching a pledge drive to support its important work.

“God has guided me and put the right people around me to make this happen, but we are just getting started,” Bozell says. “If communities work together, united, we can empower these women. We have to stop the cycle of violence and give them hope.”

“The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:5

Hope in the Dark Ministries is located in Muncie. You can email Cindy Bozell at cindy@hopeinthedarkministries.org or visit hopeinthedarkministries.org.