I had so much hope when I found out about this resource. But now, I am more discouraged than ever! I keep trying to contact people to get help, but because I dont have little kids, it doesnt seem like theres much support for me. Im unimportant because I dont have little kids. I was told TESSA could help with housing. I was instead given a list of people to call. My abuser works remotely like I do! How can I call?? And even when I found a way to email or chat with a place, because I didnt have kids, I was disregarded. Its so discouraging to be given false hope. Without help for a small deposit on a place, I have to stay with my abuser.Thats all I need - help with a deposit - to get out of this situation. I have found a place to go, but I just need help to get there. I was told that that was possible. Now I know it was false hope. I have already suffered broken ribs, broken vertebrae...I know its only a matter of time before something more serious happens. Even when the owner gave me the Development Managers number, how could I call if Im never left alone?? And when I reached out to get help, to see if there was an email I could get in touch with, I was told to do this, that, and the other - all impossible when you are never left alone. None of the options were really options for me. Its HIS house. Its HIS car. I have nothing. I have no support - family or friends here. How come there is so much help for all of these other women and not for me? I feel like Im garbage to TESSA because its just me. I dont feel important enough to help. I just need help but that seems impossible. PLEASE dont advertise to help if the help isnt for everyone.

Tessa is an amazing organization!Id finally left my abusive spouse, and I left quickly due to endangerment.They didnt have any safe housing available due to the high demand, but they helped give me resources and guidance, until I could secure my apartment.I had and amazing trauma and Domestic violence therapist through them as well.My son and I are now safe, and we are living in healthy environments.Shout out to Joseph Sanchez, hes caring, and promptly responds to messages.Thank you for being there.

I had heard such great things about this organization. However, when I needed help the most, I kept getting referred to other organizations that couldn’t help me. I suffered cracked ribs and broken vertebrae because they couldn’t help me with a simple deposit for a safe place to live. I’ve had to stay with my abuser due to lack of resources. I know it’s only a matter of time.

This place was a saving grace. Didni have to alter how i was used to living yes but this place supplied food, a place to sleep, and clothing if needed not to mention hygiene products as needed. I wound up here when i had no one but my teenage son. It was different but i can finally say i am on my own and have moved out of this house. My only draw backs are this none under 18 can stay alone in the facility despite colorado law, and once you depart you cant really talk with your advocate so you go from being suported and feeling like you can handel it to no support again.

You guys have always helped through thick and thin. I appreciate the staff and what you guys represent. Nakesha was amazing!

My experience at Tessa was NOT A GREAT NOR GOOD STAY. I constantly had staff members be petty with me and my children. I had a staff member blatantly LIE ON ME saying I left my kids alone at the shelter for 4 hours. When that wasnt true. I asked who was the one who said it I was told it doesnt matter. How can you trust the same people who lies on yiu to advocate for you. Ive had racially insensitive things said about my childs hair. I rather be with my abuser than be in a safe environment where its nothing but hostility with the staff.

Thank you for helping one of the best people I know, one of the most important people of my life!

They tell you you are being abused and then tell you to get over it it’s a man’s world!!

This organization is such a blissing. Great staff and helpful.

They are amazing in every way!

I absolutely appreciate the work this company does

Thry are absolutely awesome here. I had to take a close friend of mine here to get her help and they were very comforting and attentive to both myself and my best friend. It brought back memories of my past horrible experiences and they extended help to me also. I would absolutely recommend this place to anyone who needs a safe place to escape violent and abusive relationships they might be in.

You can donate to TESSA @ their website, dedicated to serving the poor, disenfranchised populations, providing essential items. Check out their website, see how you or they can help.

I will never forget the help I received for my children and myself from TESSA. It was home for almost two months. My children and I had a safe room to sleep at night. We made lasting friendships and met people who we are still living life with after almost two years. TESSA is who took us in and provided us a place to sleep in the middle of the night after leaving a nightmare behind. THANK YOU!

Their Covid excuses dont work almost a year later. Horrible at getting back to people and scheduling appts. Several victims have been thrown around by them after seeking help for being thrown around at home. Wish there were alternatives/

For those who know what Tessa is, no need to explain why I gave 5 stars. There were three deer that greeted me last time I was there. On a different note thank you to the family of Myron Stratton for allowing the public use of such a beautiful and historical place!

When you call and need help, they tell you that theyre full and you have to go to another city. Then tell you they dont help you get to the other area. Some people do not have the option to leave town with no help. How is a woman with kids or without, thats getting abused..... They didnt help her.

I absolutely love it here. Eveyone is so friendly and helpful. If you have been abused and are going through some rough times, I would definitely talk to someone at TESSA and see if they may be able to help.

I had to beg for help. They told me Id be better off going to a homeless shelter since Ill justend up theyre anyways if I cant find another place to help me in 2 weeks. Now my ex has sent me death threats and hes stalking my every move, and Ive exhausted all my efforts in finding help. If something happens to me, at least I knew how Tessa could help.

Male domestic abuse victims often experience a bias against their experience and arent treated like victims, and I experienced that with tessa.

I never believed I would need the services of a Domestic Abuse/Sexual Assault victims advocate team. Im a Rabbi, a professional coach and a professor as well as the mother of four and the grandmother of six. But I did. And when I did the men and women whose staff Tessa as professional counselors and volunteers came to my aid in so many ways. They have been with me each time Ive gone to the court to seek and obtain an order of protection and have accompanied me as Ive met with police and assistant district attorneys.Please never hesitate to reach out to these fine people no matter who you are, if you are the victim of domestic abuse or intimate partner sexual assault. They are knowledgeable and extremely capable. When friends and family have a hard time coping with the acts of a man they find hard to believe and hard to understand oh, its important to talk with those who know that what happens behind closed doors is often very different from the image put out into the world. The advocates at Tessa helped me understand and integrate the idea that seeking accountability is not vengeance. I am very grateful for their work!

Great to have a place to go when home is not safe but after the initial meeting and sign up they never contacted me regarding anything we talked about. I really needed them. Instead i had no choice but to move to a different state by myself in a scary situation...and never heard from them. The staff was very nice but I did get the feeling of them trying to push me out like I wasnt important to them. Go with Genesis.

Man these people were great!! I hot a whole lot of stuff

Super helpful and friendly staff, so informative and understanding of my predicament.

Awesome people. Very helpful and supportive

They were very kind and as helpful as they could be. Even followed up with a few phone calls. Which I have not returned. So my experience is limited. Although it seems to me that government funding for public assistance of all kinds has been cut way too much. I know theres a history of people abusing it. But for those of us who genuinely need these services, its having a greater negative impact than the government cares to notice. Sadly

They have many programs and I always have my questions answered in person or over the phone. Or... if you were like me and didnt know what to ask or what they offer just tell them a bit about your situation and they will point you to their right program and outside programs as well. Im using TESSA for multiple things.

The staff is friendly and understanding. They gave me the support I needed. The counseling was great and helpful. They are great with kids and their needs.

I loved being here, i loved the staff, i loved the groups and their services.Majority of everyone was very sympathetic and was willing to provide what you needed.

This place is scary. Reminds me of A creepy old mental asylum. Whilst they do offer resources it seems to come at a price. Full of white women that seem to think the state does a better job raising children. When actually all the state wants is the revenue from these poor families that have already been through enough as it is. Without having to worry about your children getting taken away by social services. Be wary of this place!

I would have given zero stars but in order to leave this note I must at least write 1 star. I CALLED THEM FROM RED CROSS (the directors office). I am a Male... Asked for help with my son... they told me in front of the director that they dont believe a man can be physically abused by a female. The Red Cross help hide me and A4 month old child. Even after that as a volunteer I help Tessa relocate battered women I wish I had not.

The front desk receptionist is precious, genuinely compassionate and caring and goes all out to direct women in need to the appropriate resources within the agency

TESSA is such a wonderful place for women and children to go to if you are in need of their type services.

I was referred to them by the Colorado springs police department after a domestic dispute with my fiance, all the can do is give me some numbers of singe organizations that might be able top help me. Thanks a lot....for nothing.

I second that the only good thing at this facility was the children’s department before my two children’s advocates left (but who can blamethem). My son was heartbroken when his dove group teacher was let go. Now, I don’t have anything good to say.

These people are incredible. They helped me in a time when I needed it the most and I highly recommend them. I will forever continue to donate and give back to them! ❤

I was in a very abusive situation today and was turned down me and my10 month old baby because we were not in the state the point in leaving s domestic situation is to try and get far away as possible,buy turning people down like is so sad people donate money to these places lots of money wonder what they’re doing with it if they’re not helping . God bless them and if something was to happen the blood would be on there hand also .

Amazing opportunity to get the help and support needed.

If Ive ever run into you and treated you in an unhealthy way I would like to apologize,) Know that I am very shameful for my ongoings in Earth. I realize a quick apology doesnt fix anything or lessen the wounds of my ignorance and manipulative ways. Most of all to my two partners for long-term periods in my life with the first one I was abusive physically a lot very shameful for and with my second one here I was very emotional abusive and manipulative. A lot of me wishes I never would have known or inflicted any of your lives the way I did during my time here Im sorry and I hope you find some healing and peace from the those things Ive done. I accept what is coming my way because I deserve it and ultimately Ive Im a piece of garbage. word around town here is it tomorrow is a big day for me so. So I accept the punishment that I deserve wholeheartedly and will try to take it like a man the best I can. For the many 2nd 3rd 4th 5th and 6th chances Ive had in my life to to get things right if I put you ever threw that in your time here Im just an ignorant soul. I hope you have a good evening more day or rest of your weekend and I pray you all live the happiest lives you can thank you. My daughter Madison who I extremely filled with thought of you everyday and I dearly missed you and not being in your life I wish you the best I love you. Lastly if youve had to deal with the repercussions of the people Ive hurt by being supportive for them and being there for them I appreciate you and I think you.

I had to change my review, my abusive syko childs father found out i was in the springs and was knocking on doors looking for me, a tessa worker named Nicole told me there was space available in the safe house but turned down me and my 3 yr old son. however we are enrolled in tessa, its May21st today which also is me and my sons birthday its snowing outside and so here we are sleeping in my truck in the snow on our birthday fleeing an abusive man whos looking for us, and the safehouse so called turned us down, wouldnt even help with a voucher nonetheless, i finally found some place to help. be weary of this place yall. seems like the ONLY good people here are Elma and the nice inviting conforting black woman at the front desk. i completed my check list and also got a job and still no help. pathetic. isnt it. smh happy birthday to us

I have been trying to schedule an appointment with Tessa for a PPIR (Pre-Plea Investigation Report) for 3 and a half weeks! The DA gave me until my next court date in June to have this completed. Every time I call, the receptionist answering the phone says the lady that schedules these PPIR’s is out of the office. The first time I called the lady is out of the office for a week, the second time I call the receptionist says, “I’ll pass your name, number and email address on and she will get a hold of you as soon as she can, it will probably be another week or two.” Then I call after a week to try to get this scheduled and again the receptionist answering the phone says the lady that schedules these PPIR’s is out of the office. I have literally made at least 5 or 6 calls to this place. No one will help me, no one will return my calls, no one will email me to schedule this PPIR that I need because my alcoholic boyfriend came after me and I defended myself, so I got in trouble and now I have to explain why I defended myself against the drunk boyfriend trying to beat me up. Who can help?

I am happy that there is a safe place to go for people who get abused no matter what way

Everyone here is so nice and helpful

TESSA tears families apart using lies, intimidation and manipulation, for financial gain. They are not good people. Please do your research on this organization and try to get help elsewhere before going here as an absolute last resort.

They helped me when I needed assistance with clothing and hygiene products thank God.

Didnt help to get me out of an abusive situation and never told me why. Im forced to stay in it until either it gets better or some more helpful people emerge.,

I went to TESSA 2 days in a row, asking for help, shelter from my husband. They only gave me phone numbers and a hotline number and when i went home thursday, my husband threw a table at me and stabbed me.

I really wish I could give this place a negative 10. I went to TESSA to hide from my husband who chased me through 3 states. I went there thinking I would be safe. What a joke. They allow women to abuse their children ON SITE and in front of staff. I myself was assaulted 3 times by 3 different residents. I reported it every time. NOTHING was done. I had my medication stolen. I reported it to staff, guess what? NOTHING was done. Some of the mothers ( two of whom are pregnant ) are using drugs ON CAMPUS. This was reported... Again NOTHING was done. I was bullied, assaulted and when I went to staff NOTHING was done. Their answer was that they didnt want to re-traumatize the residents. I am a mandated reporter and when I called CPS to help the children staff helped the mother clean up her room and only allowed CPS to view pictures of the clean room. Well, you cant smell the filth in pictures. They allow sexual relations between residents to happen in the room with the children present. They know about the Meth, pot and prescription drugs being used in the rooms and in the living room and outside on the enclosed patio. You have residents taking advantage of others and again NOTHING is done. You have women prostituting out of the shelter. You have women giving their friends, abusers and God only knows whom else directions to the safe house. They do NOT provide counseling on domestic violence to their residents . They are so afraid of re-traumatizing the women that they have thrown ALL the rules out the window. Basically this is a building that women use as a flop house. You have women there that ARE NOT victims of DV or SA they are just their because they either do not want to or cant pay rent. You have women that have been there going on 6 months and are NOT looking for a place to move to.I left due to the assaults and the bullying. If I wanted to be assaulted or bullied I would have stayed with my abuser. I asked why they are not doing anything about the problems and they said they are following a new guideline model from Australia that basically makes it so that if you do anything wrong you arent called out about it . Basically they are allowing these people to get away with illegal things just so they dont hurt someones feelings. Its bullshit. Ive called a bunch of people to report the illegal activities I truly hope that if they are held accountable and possibly risk losing their funding/building that they will get someone on their staff who actually gives a damn and fix this messed up situation and fires most of the people who are allowing residents to abuse other residents. I have so much more to say but I will write about it once I get an update from the people I contacted. Note to staff who may write back.. No I do not want to speak to you. Ive already tried it your way..

They do great work

Wont help me cause i have a service cat and not a service dog. She said they wont help me at any shelter cause i need my cat to live. I have extreme anxiety and other mental challenges and I was prescribed my cat by 3 DOCTORS. But yeah not allowed to get help unless its a dog and only for seizures. I have nothing left besides her and they are making me chose my cat or to get abused or be homeless. Edit: I called them back to try to see if another lady would answer and help me, and the same lady answered and asked Oh honey, dont you remember you just called here? very condescending. I need help, not someone to mock me.

Not much help. Loads of misinformation.

Good for women who need help

If you need mental health counseling please seek professionals who actually care. I am going to be a licensed psychologist in a few years and learned what not to do in my professional career thanks to them.

Greatest resource for woman and men who are victims of domestic violence. They will put you back on your feet.

They are disorganized, and dont provide enough services/attention to SA survivors. Ive not had many good encounters with their hotline either. Unfortunately they seem to be the only group in the city giving any attention to survivors/victims of DV or SA. They need to step up their game and let the community know they are there, have consistency (especially with their staff, people seem to come and go there a lot), and they need to train their hotline volunteers better.

Awesome

Really appreciate this place they have been so helpful to me while going through The Break-Up of an abusive relationship.

I keep calling and getting a recording. I leave voice mails asking for a call back regarding adult support classes but nobody calls back. There should be a way to speak with a live person without having to try the emergency line. I do have a friend who benefitted from the classes, so hopefully Ill connect with them soon.

Hotline is useless no help just a waste of time to call because all the hotline does is refer you to another county and dont ask how you are to get there to a different county because Tessa dont know

This place helped me out in a time of need and I’m very greatful for their help.

Incredible cause!

Very helpful

Great Service.

Excellent community resource.

My mom is in need of serious help bcuz of domestic violence and they have done nothing to help at allClaims they will but wont even tryWorse people in the world

They seem to care more about their political agenda then abused women.

This place saved my life.

Im fleaing a domestic violence relationship they basically told me dont come its to expensive

Very helpful!

Thank you for all your help

Angels❤️

Yes yes yes

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