The Run Jane Run events kick off this weekend in St. Joseph County.

The women-only events benefit programs offered to women and children at the St. Joseph County YWCA.

NewsCenter 16’s Tricia Sloma met one local woman who not only survived abuse with the help of the YWCA, but is now a success story and an inspiration to others.

A woman, who we will only identify as Janette, sought help at the YWCA after her ex-husband was about to be released from prison.

He was thrown in jail for attacking her with a knife and holding her young son hostage.

“It was just the grace of God that he got out of it alive, so did I. I sustained about a hundred stitches in each hand from fighting him off,” says Janette.

At the YWCA, Janette found programs and counseling, but most of all, she found peace and safety.

“I was able to sleep peacefully. I wasn’t looking over my shoulder. I knew that this place would protect me. That someone was always looking out for us,” Janette explains.

Last year, over 1,300 women and children were helped at the YWCA, and Janette says that it is more than a safe place - it’s a miracle.

“You have to get to a point where you get tired of being tired. Places like this give women a place to seek out some home, some empowerment,” she says.

Empowerment that will change lives forever.

Janette and her son have moved on. She has a job at a daycare facility and looks forward to getting her college degree.

“I have an attitude of gratitude to the Y. They helped save my life, they helped my son save his life,” says Janette.

The women-only Run Jane Run events start this weekend.

Saturday marks the 5k and 10k run and walk at St. Patrick’s County Park, Sunday is the bike event at Bendix County Park, and the golf scramble will be held Wednesday, August 27.

For more information and registration, click on the Big Red Bar.