Candace arrived at shelter in the spring of 2025 with her three children after fleeing ongoing physical and emotional abuse. Prior to seeking shelter, the family had been moving between temporary accommodations while attempting to escape escalating violence that was beginning to directly impact the children.
Along with the trauma of abuse, Candace was navigating multiple challenges, including parenting three children with diverse needs, meeting probation requirements, maintaining sobriety supports, and securing stable housing and income.
From the outset, Candace demonstrated a strong commitment to creating safety and stability for her family. She actively engaged with shelter staff and community partners, participating in case planning and accessing a wide range of supports, including income assistance, counselling, parenting resources, addiction recovery services, and mental health supports for both herself and her children.
Much of Candace’s focus was dedicated to advocating for her oldest son, Michael, whose complex behavioral and mental health needs required significant coordination among service providers. Despite periods of stress, exhaustion, and uncertainty, Candace remained open to support, consistently sought help when needed, and continued working toward her goals.
Within three months, Candace successfully secured second-stage housing, providing her family with a safe and stable environment to continue healing and rebuilding. She transitioned into her new home with ongoing community supports in place, ensuring continued access to therapeutic services, children’s programming, and housing outreach.
Candace’s journey reflects the power of coordinated, trauma-informed support and the resilience of a mother determined to break cycles of violence and create a brighter future for her children.