"I haven't felt this peaceful in a long time."

Those were the words Sandra muttered as our nurse passed her another paper towel to wipe her tears when she came to tell us she was ready to travel back.

Sandra was a single mother who was visiting a friend in Hamilton when she suspected she might be pregnant. She couldn't tell anyone and didn't know where to turn. She feared judgment from her friends, family, and even her church because it seemed like she was going down the same road again. She felt trapped. She was already struggling to be a mother to one child. How was she going to provide for two? The nights became longer, and the loneliness, crushing.

One Sunday, she went to church with her friend and heard the pastor speak about Atwell and the work we do. The next day, she walked into Atwell Centre. A caring nurse listened without judgment, helped her understand her options, and connected her with ongoing support and mentoring. Through Atwell, Sandra found guidance, community,