The family had initially escaped to Alberta in search of safety, but the trauma they carried followed them, casting a long and painful shadow over their daily lives.
Maya arrived at My Friend’s House with her three young children after fleeing an abusive relationship. The family had initially escaped to Alberta in search of safety, but the trauma they carried followed them, casting a long and painful shadow over their daily lives. With limited supports and growing instability, Maya made the difficult decision to return to Ontario and seek help, hoping for a fresh start and the possibility of healing for herself and her children.
Upon arrival at the shelter, the family was deeply traumatized. Maya was withdrawn and hypervigilant, constantly on edge and struggling to trust her surroundings, while her three children showed signs of emotional distress and anxiety, often clinging to their mother and exhibiting behavioural changes. The shelter team responded with compassion and care, connecting Maya with the Wellness Coordinator and Therapeutic Counsellor specializing in supporting women affected by intimate partner violence. The staff offered Maya a listening ear and practical strategies to begin restoring her sense of safety and self-worth. The children were supported by the Child and Youth Worker, who provided a safe space for emotional expression and healing, engaging them in activities designed to foster resilience and encourage healthy coping mechanisms.
Over time, the family began to stabilize. Maya engaged in regular counselling and wellness activities, gradually regaining a sense of self and safety, and learning new ways to manage the ongoing effects of trauma. The children, too, began to thrive, each finding outlets for their creativity and joy, and returned to reading, immersing herself in stories that sparked her imagination, her son found joy in painting, expressing his feelings through vibrant colours, and her youngest’s laughter returned, bringing warmth and hope to their home within the shelter. The staff continued to offer encouragement and support, celebrating each milestone and small victory as the family rebuilt trust in themselves and their community.
After a period of focused support and healing, Maya began to work closely with the Transition team, exploring options for stable, long-term housing. The family was able to transition into stable housing, a significant achievement that marked the beginning of a new chapter. Maya left the shelter with renewed confidence and hope for the future, equipped with resources, skills, and a supportive network. Thanks to the holistic, trauma-informed support they received, she and her children were no longer surviving, they were beginning to truly live again, embracing opportunities for growth and happiness that once seemed out of reach.
...Maya and her family embraced their new chapter with resilience and optimism...
As Maya and her children settled into their new home, My Friend’s House continued to offer outreach and follow-up support, ensuring the family’s ongoing well-being and offering reassurance during moments of uncertainty. Maya participated in community workshops and support groups, building new connections and skills, while her children adapted to their school and neighbourhood, each finding their own sources of comfort and belonging. The journey was not without challenges, and there were days when the weight of the past felt heavy, but with the foundation of care and empowerment provided by the shelter, Maya and her family embraced their new chapter with courage, resilience and optimism, looking ahead to brighter days filled with possibility, hope, and the promise of continued healing.