Maria** came to St. Christopher House looking for help.  She was dealing with emotional abuse from her husband and was afraid that it was going to escalate into…physical abuse.  Maria was afraid for her own security as well as the safety of her children.  Maria wanted to leave the relationship but was unsure of what steps to take.

Maria, even though nervous called one of the counselors at St. Christopher House and told them about her concern.  The counselor provided Maria with a safety plan and told her the steps she needed to take to leave the relationship.  The counselor helped Maria leave her home and get set up in a shelter, provided her with the resources to receive legal aid, social assistance, counseling and housing.  The counselor encouraged Maria to take ESL classes to help her improve her English as well as heading back to school to learn new skills.

Two years after Maria first came to St. Chris in distress she was living and settled in a safe place, had complete custody of her children, had greatly improved her English and was attending college classes.  She was also attending the monthly support group that the Women Abuse Program counselors at St. Chris offer.

Maria could not have done it without the help of the counselors at St. Christopher House.

** Name has been changed to protect confidentiality.