Finding Safety in the Right Places
For me, it started young. I was just a kid when the abuse began. I grew up in a very chaotic home. I never knew what it was like to feel stability or to trust. For this reason, I guess it’s not surprising I ended up following the path that I did.
I quickly fell into addiction and ended up in a rough crowd. I’ve had a few serious relationships; they were never healthy, but nothing was quite as bad as the relationship with my son’s father. The relationship that almost took my life. It didn’t start out that way, but it ended up becoming so scary. Eventually the police became involved and my son and I were relocated way up north to ensure we were safe from him. I had no real support in this new place. I was struggling everyday to hold it together for my son, he was just little, only three. Awhile after we got there, social services told me they believed me to be unfit and were going to take my son. I was crushed. I just couldn’t bear the thought. I ended up back in the throes of my addiction and would do anything for comfort. I ended up going back to him, my son’s father, my abuser. He was all I knew. It wasn’t long before I was right back in the thick of it. Eventually I opened up to a friend of mine about the violence, I’d never told anyone the truth before, but I knew I had no choice. She immediately sent a cab to the hotel where we were staying. I quickly packed my things and jumped in. This was when my journey with YWCA began.
I was taken to the emergency shelter. I had no idea what to expect. I felt alone and broken, but very soon after I arrived, I learned what true safety felt like. Never in my life had I felt support like this. I was surrounded by the strength and guidance of the social workers. Through counselling I was able to start working through my deep traumas. Through guidance and support from my social workers I was able to properly report my abuser and find justice for what I’d been put through.
Only 3 months after arriving at YWCA Niagara I knew I was ready to move beyond the emergency shelter program. I still wasn’t able to fully support myself, thankfully the onsite transitional housing program was there while I needed it. Without this option I know I would’ve just fallen victim to everything I was used to. I would’ve scrambled to find the comfort I had been seeking my whole life. Through the stability of transitional housing, I was able to maintain my sobriety and even take the time to attend a proper treatment facility. When that program was complete the YW was still there, and I was able to continue my healing journey.
Two years after I moved into transitional housing, I packed up my belongings, and for the very first time, moved into my very own home. I’ve now been able to remain healthy, happy, and independent for over two years. If the YW wasn’t an option, if this place didn’t exist, I wouldn’t be here today. I know that to be true. That reality is scary to think about, so I try not to. I’m so grateful to be able to come back and share my story. Share with my community why this organization is so important. Why I needed YWCA, and why I know there are many more just like me who deserve the safety and independence that I’m so lucky to live with now. I’m here today to tell my story because of the YW, and I’m honored to be able to help shed light on how incredible this place truly is. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.