![](https://www.jaxlegalaid.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/aug18.png)
Photo not that of actual client.
“Rachel,” 49, experienced severe stress as a result of her husband’s abusive treatment. After losing her job, Rachel was forced to beg her husband for money to pay household bills and the mortgage. The stress of the unhealthy situation affected Rachel’s teenage daughter as well, who lived in the home during the abuse. After experiencing physical symptoms of anxiety including weight gain and hair loss, Rachel turned to JALA for help. Michelle Broyles, division chief of the Family Law and Victim Advocacy Unit, negotiated with the opposing counsel to get Rachel’s husband out of the house and provide temporary spousal support. Soon after, the judge granted Rachel a divorce. This newfound security allowed Rachel to finish her education to become a Spanish teacher. Today, she has lost weight, regrown hair, and begun working as a teacher. JALA’s help allowed Rachel to begin anew and accomplish her goals.