As the adult counselor at Crisis Center North, Sue Milles works with women whose self esteem has been degraded to nonexistent levels.

But as they break out of the prison of their former lives, her clients return to being the vibrant, confident women they once were.

"I watch a woman that once she walks through the door she has the courage to take on a really nasty problem," Milles said. "They may not know it yet, but you want to make them aware of how much courage they really have. All I have to do is help them brush off their dreams and get hope."

The organization serves residents of the northern and western communities of the county and relies primarily on donations to supplement its state and federal funding.

Formed 30 years ago with a budget of $13.78, the organization now serves about 2,000 victims in the North Hills each year, as well as an additional 6,000 residents through prevention education, with its $579,000 budget.

Stacy de las Alas, development specialist for the North Hills nonprofit, said most residents don't realize how prevalent a problem domestic abuse is in all demographics of the area.

"People think it doesn't happen here," de las Alas said. "Domestic violence is very largely interpreted as a crime of secrecy. People feel it's not their business. It takes away a very important piece -- a voice."

The organization's 60 volunteers and 13 staff employees offer a multitude of services to men, women and children who are affected by domestic violence.

Crisis Center North maintains a 24-hour hotline, as well as counseling and education services. Counselors follow the empowerment theory, where they never tell a victim when it is time for them to leave.

One Crisis Center North client, who requested her name be withheld for safety reasons, struggled for decades to walk out of a physically, emotionally and mentally abusive marriage.

After several years of counseling, she felt ready to begin a new life away from her situation. She felt Crisis Center North played a major part in enabling her to regain her freedom from a controlling and abusive situation.

"I feel like I was Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz," she said. "She had the power to go home the entire time, but she just had to use it."

For victims of domestic violence, that is often one of the hardest parts, Milles said. Clients often have the courage, but don't know how to use it yet. The organization acts as a support to help find the best solution for each individual client.

"Any person can hit rock bottom one way or another during their lifetime," the client said. "For me, just knowing there were people out there who were willing to donate money to help me get back on my feet and restore my self-worth puts a very warm feeling in my heart and I will always be very grateful."