Ruth arrived at La Salle in the deep of winter, with two small children in her arms and another on the way.

She was afraid, exhausted, and overwhelmed.

From deep within herself, Ruth had found courage. Thinking of her children, she bravely said, “no more,” and left her abusive husband after years of suffering domestic violence.

We welcomed her out of the cold. We told her we would walk with her as she healed, and we would help her children heal too.

Ruth found strength in the support she received from us. She built resilience and determination as she engaged in our programming, including counselling, referrals to housing supports, and educational resources.

Ruth was determined to create a better life for herself and her children, one free from violence.

She knew La Salle was the safe place from which she could rebuild and start over.

In April 2020, she gave birth to her third child. A beautiful, healthy baby. Two months later, she moved out of La Salle and into her own home.

Today, Ruth is studying for her driver’s license and is planning to attend post-secondary school. She is proud of the example she is setting for her kids, and we are proud to have been part of her journey.

Catholic Social Services supports more than 170 at-risk women and their children each year through three homes and shelters, including La Salle.These are women like Ruth who want nothing more than to live peaceful, joy-filled lives, free from domestic abuse and violence.

Hope after fear is possible.
But we can’t do this work alone.

Please, help us ensure children like Ruth’s don’t grow up in violence. Help us give warmth and safety to those in need by making a donation to Sign of Hope today.