The moment her husband’s car disappeared down the street to shuttle their two boys to school, Terry hurriedly slipped on the first pair of shoes she could find and bolted out the door.

Enduring years of physical, emotional, and financial abuse at the hands of her husband had taken its toll.

Forbidden to work and isolated from her friends, Terry’s only solace, her two boys, began to adopt the same hurtful behaviors as their father. The thought of enduring the same treatment from her own children was heart-wrenching.

Something had to change.

That fateful night Terry arrived at the Catholic Social Services (CSS) Lurana Shelter. Her emotions were in turmoil. Overwhelmed with anxiety and fear, she found refuge in the compassionate reassurance and support of the CSS Lurana Shelter team. Exhausted, Terry took her first steps toward healing and rebuilding a brighter future for herself and her children.

Months later, Terry sought to celebrate her remarkable progress since finding the courage to leave.

From being employed full-time to securing a place of her own, she proudly purchased a pair of brand-new running shoes with her very first paycheque. These shoes symbolized her newfound freedom and resilience, a stark contrast to the shoes she had frantically donned on the day she fled – her husband’s shoes. Last year over 300 women and children came through Lurana’s doors, finding safety and security under its roof.

Only with your assistance can we continue to provide women and children the love and support they need when escaping domestic violence.

Your donations make a real difference in the lives of women like Terry, and their children.

We need your help. Please donate today!