Marilyn* arrived at CAWCs Greenhouse Shelter shortly after the holidays with her two sons, William* and Noah*. Marilyn and her children had been living in a suburban home with her husband and her mother-in-law, where she experienced emotional, physical, financial, sexual, and spiritual abuse. Marilyn was diagnosed with severe depression and complex post-traumatic stress disorder, but it wasn't until she arrived at Greenhouse Shelter that Marilyn realized her children had also been deeply suffering in the home.

William was in 8th grade when his family fled. He had taken on the role of protector since he was the eldest. This meant not only looking out for his younger sibling, but also looking out for his mother. Although being described as a normal or good kid, William was struggling internally, and his grades had started to slip as a result of having no motivation to do homework.

While at the shelter, he regularly checked on his mother and brother if they were gone for too long, even if they were only in the kitchen or talking to staff in a counseling room. William stated his father didn't scare him, but he often feared he would hurt his younger brother. Williams counselor dedicated her time to ensure he had a space to talk and taught him ways to express his feelings. He also received help with his homework, attended children's activities, and enrolled in a football camp.

Noah was 8 years old when he arrived at Greenhouse. He had been diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and had an IEP at school. Noah was described as a happy, loud and playful child. Despite being kicked, punched, pushed and verbally abused, he struggled the most with the absence of his father. At Greenhouse, Noah was wetting the bed and waking up screaming and crying at night. He had panic attacks and would hit his mother. Noah received counseling services and met with the art therapist and trauma therapist regularly. Greenhouse staff advocated for him at school and helped find a psychiatrist.

Marilyn and her sons moved out after three months of services into an apartment that a Housing Specialist from Greenhouse helped them find. William graduated from middle school on time and did not need to attend summer school. He stated staff tutoring came in handy. He has a regular therapist he sees as well as a school counselor. Noah continued with all his therapies after leaving Greenhouse. He was promoted to his next grade without having to go to summer school. His mother stated it was the first year he didn't need to attend summer school.

Marilyn, William, and Noah all live violence-free now. Marilyn is a pharmacy technician working full time. She was able to repair her bond with her mother who looks after her children while she's at work. She stated being at the shelter made her see her mother in a different light, and it helped mend their relationship. Both children are performing well at their new schools and have made new friends. William is part of his high school varsity team. Noahs bedwetting and temper issues have stopped. The family is thankful for all the services they received from housing to counseling. Marilyn stated Greenhouse saved her children. The children say it saved their mother.

*Names have been changed to protect clients confidentiality