I came to Edmonton to live with my 19-year old daughter who was attending attending post-secondary school. During her second year studies, she became pregnant and tragically died during childbirth due to serious complications
My grandson’s father took my grandson home from the hospital. I was left to grieve the loss of my daughter and my grandson. I begged to remain in contact with him, but the father rejected all my attempts to stay connected. At just three weeks old, my grandson was apprehended. His father, who had many addictions, neglected and badly abused my grandson.
I was awarded kindship care by the courts. I was no stranger to parenting, as I had raised six children as a single mother on my reserve in Ontario. But, even that was not enough to prepare me for the challenges I would face. I could not find job, or safe housing. I was trying to care for my grandson, without any support, and still grieving the loss of my daughter. I was alone, without any support.
I found A Safe Place. They supported me when no one else could, or would. My grandson and I had a safe place to live. They connected me to grief counseling, and day-by-day my grandson and I regained our health. I grew stronger and made the decision to return home to family in Ontario. My worker at A Safe Place supported my return home and connected me to additional supports offered by my band and other agencies in Ontario. Today, because of A Safe Place, my grandson and I are healthy, and living with our family and friends in Ontario.