It’s been an incredibly challenging year at YW, but we’ve kept our doors open for the nearly 200 women and children who rely on us for shelter and housing. We know these pressures will continue for some time, which is why we need our community of friends and supporters now more than ever!
Sonia’s Story
Meet Sonia, a mother of four young children. After years of physical and emotional abuse, Sonia left her husband. When she arrived at YW Sheriff King Home seeking shelter, she looked exhausted and distraught.
That night, the only room we had available was small with only two beds. As we helped Sonia and her children get settled, her youngest son started coughing and was running a fever. He would need to be tested the next morning. Until the results came back, the family would have to isolate in their small room.
It was heart breaking. And for Sonia, the confinement in that small space was triggering. “It brought up terrible memories of my husband locking me in our bedroom and refusing to let me out,” she shared with her YW counsellor Juliette as they spoke over the phone.
“I wasn’t safe at home because of him
and I don’t feel safe outside because
of COVID-19. I’m scared for me
but more scared for them,”
Sonia and her children made it through those difficult days waiting for test results, which thankfully came back negative. The YW team at the shelter kept the children busy with games, movies and activities and provided Sonia with emotional support to keep her going. Juliette also helped the family apply for affordable housing – they are now living in their own home and the older children are doing well at school.
From all of us at YW Calgary, Thank you for your friendship and support.
Contributions from people like you ensure that YW continues to empower families like Sonia’s. Not only does your donation keep women and families safe, healthy and warm, it helps them feel less alone knowing someone like you cares. This is going to be a challenging holiday season for all of us but for women experiencing violence, this time of year, amplified by the pandemic, will be even harder. Please give generously to help her feel safe, connected and hopeful.