Sharon's Story of Hope

Sharon came to the Today Centre seeking support on how to keep her and her son, Brandon, safe. When Sharon connected with the Today Centre, she had been with her partner for twenty-one years, enduring emotional, financial, and physical violence. Physically assaulted for the first time two years prior, Sharon disclosed a continuing escalation in violence. Experiencing financial abuse for over a decade, leaving her with very limited financial resources, and isolated from family and friends, provinces away, Sharon came to the Today Centre after being served with an eviction notice. Sharon was feeling very overwhelmed, concerned about Brandon’s pleas to contact the police and growing fear of his father.

Brandon’s exposure to violence in the family and Sharon’s limited resources led Sharon and The Today Centre Family Violence Specialist to reach out to Children’s Services for support. With help, Sharon was able to develop a safety plan and exit strategy to keep her and Brandon safe while leaving the relationship. Sharon was supplied gift cards for food and bus tickets, so she could access services around the city. Sharon, with support of the Family Violence Specialist, applied for an Emergency Protection Order, connected with the Pet Safekeeping Program and accessed Alberta Supports, as she moved into a new home for her and Brandon. At Sharon’s last session, before ending services at The Today Centre, she spoke about how quiet her new home felt and how it was the first time in years she felt as though she could breathe.

** Names have been changed for confidentiality purposes.