As a survivor of horrendous childhood abuse and neglect, I understand the loneliness and hopelessness of living behind closed doors with a terrible secret. I have also felt the warmth, compassion and acceptance in relationships which have allowed me to feel free and hopeful. It has taken almost 30 years to fulfill my promise of opening a place for survivors. In 2008, with the help of a small group of volunteers, I founded the E Diane Champé Institute.