CHARLOTTE COUNTY - Looking through pictures of Yana Huss, she seems very happy.

"She give to people only smiles and love," said her mother, Russian native, Elena Kuchinskaya. "All people say to me, this is a good woman."

But behind the smiles, Kuchinskaya says no one knew about her daughter's pain.

In April, Charlotte County Sheriff's deputies found Yana Huss stabbed to death inside her home. Her husband, Scott Huss, is charged with her murder.

Now, Kuchinskaya hopes to share the pain she feels with strangers, after losing her daughter to homicide.

"My life now, not easy," she said.

Elena joined the group, Parents of Murdered Children, an emotional support group that allows victims' families and friends the opportunity to share their story.

"It's the club that no one wants to join," said Southwest Florida Chapter President, Connie Ankney. "Someone else has initiated us, and now we are going to survive."

Kuchinskaya flew to Florida after she learned of her daughter's death. She came not knowing the language and without friends.

"I come, I think, I have so much pain. I cry, every day. I think nobody understands me because this is my pain, but when we sit, and everybody talks about themselves, I cry. I cry not for myself, I cry for other people."

Ankney says that's what makes it hard for people to attend the meetings. Victims' families have a hard time dealing with and talking about their loss in front of someone else. She says sometimes crying makes "a lot of people feel uncomfortable."

Elena's story, however, sparked a new interest in Charlotte County.

"It was like 'OK,' here's a chance to really help this lady that has nobody here in the United States and that has just opened up a big window for us," said Ankney.

The timing seems to be just right.

Ankney says she can't believe the need that exists in Charlotte County. In the past year alone, both Charlotte and Sarasota County have seen several murders, including the deaths of two young children, Cheyenne Eairheart and Coralrose Fullwood. But, every victim is someones child, despite their age. The group allows families to grieve with others who understands what everyone is going through.

"Now that people have knowledge we're doing this, they are coming," said Ankney.

"Now, I don't worry, because I feel help," said Kuchinskaya. "I feel I'm not alone. This is very important to me and my grandchildren."

Parents of Murdered Children have also been able to help Kuchinskaya in court.

"They help me 24 hours a day. We go together court, we go together all the places I need," she said.

Without the help, she doesn't know where she'd be. The pain in her heart is still great, but with the organization's help, the stress isn't so bad.

"I trust the American system. I am mother, I need this, I believe."

Friends set up a fund for the family, the Yana Huss Memorial Fund. Anyone wishing to donate can do so at any Wachovia Bank.