Candice’s Story
Four years ago, Candice’s abusive husband followed her to work and threatened her with a gun. With her life in danger, she contacted the police and eventually arrived at the door of Ernestine’s Women’s Shelter with her two children, Ben and Kyra. Candice, Ben, and Kyra were terrified. Their only possessions were the clothes they’d worn when leaving home that morning. Candice had just lost her only source of income: she couldn’t return to work because it would be unsafe for her and her colleagues.
But because Ernestine’s was there, she and the children were safe. The shelter staff helped her create a safety plan. She and children were given clothes, toiletries, and a room of their own. They also received counselling to help them recover from the trauma they’d experienced. Soon, the children were enrolled into new schools. Candice joined the shelter’s parenting class, where she learned how mothers can strengthen their bond with their children, which is often weakened through trauma. The staff helped her with legal matters and went with her to court to make sure that she was safe. Slowly, Candice, Ben and Kyra began to rebuild their lives free from violence.
Despite the chaos they’d lived through, Candice managed to create a stable environment for her children. She made sure they were well-fed, well-dressed, and always did their homework. She taught them to be polite and respectful. She was their strongest advocate, making sure they took advantage of every opportunity. She even coached Ben’s basketball team and Kyra’s tennis team! Candice eventually found a new job — and with the help of Ernestine’s staff—a permanent place to live where she and the children would be safe.
Today, Candice, Ben, and Kyra are thriving. The children continue to excel in academics and sports: Ben won a basketball scholarship from a private school and Kyra is a top tennis player in her age group. They continue to visit Ernestine’s for ongoing counselling and to visit the food bank to stretch their small grocery budget. They also attend our two annual client events to stay in touch with the staff and other residents, happy to share successes and milestones.
Thank you for not only helping to save Candice’s life, but also for giving her children a brand-new future. Sadly, there are many more women like Candice. But with your help, Ernestine’s is working to end gender-based violence and challenge the social inequalities that perpetuate abuse and make it harder for women to escape. We are advocating for more affordable housing, so women aren’t forced to stay in violent situations because they can’t afford to leave. We are seeking better labour legislation that protects women like Candice, so they don’t lose their jobs if they are experiencing abuse. And we are challenging the growing income inequality in Canada, so mothers living on low incomes don’t have to choose between paying the rent or feeding their children. Together, we can create lasting positive change, so that every family, like Candice, Ben, and Kyra, has a safe and secure future!