With nothing but a small bag and her children’s hands in hers, Delaney arrived at a My Friends House. It was the first time in years they felt safe.
Delaney lived in fear every day, not for herself alone, but for her two children, Lila and Mateo. Years of emotional and physical abuse had taken their toll. One night, she made the hardest and bravest choice of her life: she left.
With nothing but a small bag and her children’s hands in hers, Delaney arrived at a My Friends House. It was the first time in years they felt safe.
At the shelter, Delaney found more than a roof over her head, she found support, counseling, legal help, and people who believed in her. The staff at My Friends House assisted Delaney in acquiring legal aid and a lawyer that was experienced in supporting victims of domestic violence. She had support at every court appearance and was able to gain the courage to stand up for what was in the best interest of her and her children again.
After little socialization Mateo and Lila were able to attend camp run by My Friends House to meet other children their age and go out to do fun activities. They learned to trust the counsellors at My Friends House to share more information regarding the trauma they experienced in their home and to work towards trusting adults again and what a healthy environment feels like. They started smiling again. They painted pictures, baked with staff, played with other kids, and slept through the night without fear.
Today, Delaney has her own apartment and finally had the opportunity to go back to school and gain even more of her independence back by going for her social work degree, and a future full of hope. Her kids are happy and thriving, seeing family and friends on a regular basis.
Delaney’s new life was built slowly, step by step, with each day bringing its own small victories. The apartment was modest, but it was theirs: a place where laughter echoed instead of shouting, and where bedtime stories replaced fear. Delaney hung up the children’s paintings from camp in the kitchen and living room, filling the space with colour and hope. Lila and Mateo took turns choosing which picture would go next on the refrigerator, their pride shining bright in every selection.
In her social work classes, Delaney found purpose and passion. She was determined to use her experience to help others find the courage she did.
As the seasons turned, Delaney and her children thrived. Their days were filled with warmth and growth, and their nights with restful sleep.
Outside of school and volunteering, Delaney prioritised time for herself and her children. Saturdays became adventure days, spent exploring local parks, attending community events, or simply playing board games together. The city’s autumn colours made for beautiful walks along tree-lined paths, and Delaney cherished every moment of peace and togetherness.
Lila, now in grade three, joined the school’s art club and started making friends who came over for playdates. She blossomed in the new environment, her laughter ringing through the apartment. Mateo, younger by two years, signed up for soccer, running across the field with boundless energy and a grin that rarely left his face. Both children grew closer to their extended family, visiting cousins and grandparents on weekends and delighting in family traditions.
Delaney’s support network expanded steadily. She attended weekly support group meetings at My Friends House, where she connected with other women who understood her journey intimately. They shared advice, recipes, and the occasional tears, forging friendships built on resilience and trust. The legal aid team continued to assist her with occasional paperwork, ensuring she felt secure and protected.
As the seasons turned, Delaney and her children thrived. Their days were filled with warmth and growth, and their nights with restful sleep. Delaney looked ahead, hopeful for the future, not just for herself, but for every person who might find the courage to seek help and discover the strength that lies within.