TESTIMONIALS / LIVES WE HAVE CHANGED
I recently have gone through the process of obtaining a new identity. I had finished my name change which I did confidentially and all that was left was to apply for a new social security number. I suffered through a lot of domestic violence and stalking. Dealing with social security was a nightmare to say the least. I reached out to Nadeya as I was referred to her from the Safe at Home Program. SSA had denied my request even though I met criteria. Nadeya was so supportive and informative. She looked through my case and agreed they had made a mistake in denying my request. She quickly last minute was able to draft a letter of support and guidelines backing my request. That helped greatly as this process is rarely done and there isn’t a lot of support for victims through a rarely done extreme request. She also was able to clarify what was needed of myself to bring to SSA to further make my case. My request was approved a week later. I’m very grateful and appreciative for programs such as these. The right to protect program is very compassionate and dedicated to advocating for victims of violence. Most of us feel isolated, alone, or judged for the circumstances we have faced. Programs such as these give resources as well as support family and friends can’t always offer. I’m eternally grateful for all the support and help. Thank you for all you do. This is how we make a change for the better and with the world. I highly recommend to anyone dealing with hardships or any process from domestic violence to reach out. She truly has taken her own experiences and used them to create support and change in the community and we are very grateful for all you do.
~ Anonymous Survivor & Client (April 2024)
"I just got off the phone with [bank name] again (I had to speak with them several times today to get things straightened out there and everything with my [bank name] account is almost "back to normal.") But, the good news is that, thanks to your wonderful assistance, my [bank name] account is now reopened and there should be no more problems with [bank name] in the future.
Again, thank you very much for everything that you did -- and, especially, on such short notice.
I have been able to start reading some of the important info related to your organization, Right to Protect, and although I have a very busy day scheduled for tomorrow (Thursday), I intend to very carefully continue reading your very important online info -- especially your IMPACT STATEMENT.
From what you told me and I have already read, again, I have great respect for your strength and courage as a survivor to direct your time and energy to generously help others who have experienced similar situations.
After I get a chance to finish reading your material and also rest a bit from my other work, I would like to contact you again in a few days to try to get feedback from you about ways that I can somehow assist you in your very valuable work. Or, also, in the meantime, please email me at anytime with those suggestions.
Again, thanks very much, and please take good care of yourself. Sincerely,"
~ Anonymous Survivor & Client (January 2024)
Right to Protect is a valuable resource for victims of domestic violence who feel trapped in an abusive relationship. As a practicing family law attorney who has handled family law cases throughout the state, my clients are provided with vital services needed to escape the ensnaring tactics that the abuser will all too-often utilize in order to keep their victims without resources to get out of the abusive relationship.
I have been grateful for the impact RTP has had on the self-empowerment of my clients, and the many vital services and support offered throughout the litigation process which in turn dramatically increases their chances of success in their legal matters against the abuser(s). Their services are truly amazing, and their staff are very personalized and attentive to the clients' needs.
If you, or a friend, a family member, or a loved one need to get out of an abusive situation or relationship, or if you are a legal professional representing victims of domestic violence, you cannot afford to overlook this valuable organization!
~ Michael Kalanta, Esq., Family Law Attorney (August 2021)
"You're one of the few people I know who has God's heart for people."
~ Anonymous DV Survivor & Client (June 2020)
"My experience with RTP has been nothing but positive. Ms. Lavandero is honest with you about how the system works, community resources available, and does her best to help you with legal advocacy. I will say that Ms. Lavandero is a great resource of information and assistance. She is patient and kind and is well aware of the pain and suffering associated with domestic violence. Even when I was feeling like I was a mess, she reassured me that my emotions and thought processes were normal and I would eventually, with therapy, become myself again. One thing I have learned from her is that my fear, though it is founded, should not be the primary reasoning I use for fighting for the rights of myself and my children. I look forward to referring others to her in the future."
~ Anonymous DV Survivor & Client (May 2020)
