Christine’s Story

“Christine”, a mother of four, found herself trapped in an abusive relationship. To cope with the constant turmoil, she turned to addiction, which only deepened her struggles.

Overwhelmed and desperate for a way out, she finally sought help through a treatment program, knowing it was her only chance to reclaim her life and her children’s future. Her kids were placed in temporary care during her recovery journey.

The treatment program provided Christine with the support and tools she needed to overcome her addiction and regain her sense of self-worth. Although it was a challenging process, she remained determined to change her life for the better.

Upon completing the program, Christine was given a life-changing opportunity: a place in second-stage housing, offering her a stable environment to rebuild her life. Here, she focused on creating a nurturing space for her children’s eventual return. The stability of second-stage housing allowed Christine to fully regain custody of her children, bringing her family back together.

SARA for Women support staff provided comprehensive support to Christine to help her meet the requirements set by the Ministry of Children and Family Development (MCFD) for the return of her children. This included advocating on her behalf, ensuring she had access to resources for maintaining sobriety, and connecting her with trauma and substance abuse counselling. Additionally, staff assisted her in finding educational opportunities, provided in-house childcare, and helped her complete housing applications for both BC Housing and market housing options. The holistic approach taken by the staff highlights their commitment to supporting Christine’s overall well-being and her journey toward reuniting with her children.

In this supportive housing environment, Christine created goals, one of which was to continue her education. With perseverance, she completed her studies and soon after secured meaningful employment.

Now, Christine and her children are thriving in their own home. She has built a strong, loving environment where her kids can grow and flourish. Through resilience and determination, Christine transformed her life, providing a positive future for herself and her children.

Thanks to your generosity, we’re able to provide vital support to women like Christine and her children. From the bottom of our hearts, thank you for your ongoing donations and support.

Please consider giving today to help us empower more women and children on their journey to a brighter future.