For nearly 10 years I have dealt with an abusive cycle: being with the father of my children. I had exhausted all my options trying to leave on several occasions. Knowing that abuses were to come, it was clear I had to find another way out. I swallowed my pride and went to a women’s shelter. This was where I heard of WINGS.

At first I did not apply since I was determined to do it on my own. However a single mother with three children on income support cannot find housing at reasonable costs. With only a few days left at the women’s shelter, I applied for WINGS.

Now I have an apartment of my own and my children are safe. Having people there to help me through this transition has been most reassuring. My counsellor has been there to help me while I attain proper paperwork to help keep myself, as well as my children, safe. Breaking an abusive cycle alone has never worked out for me. Now I am more confident that I can finally be free this time.

Without WINGS I had nowhere safe to go and probably would have ended back living with my children’s father. Without my counsellor’s support I would have never applied for an Emergency Protective Order, which was something I should have done long ago. I am excited to get my children in a routine with a proper lifestyle. The deserve it.

WINGS has shown us the true example of protection. They knew what we needed. Our stay at WINGS gave us another chance to gain back our dignity and humanity.

My children found their place, attend kids groups, and they benefit from all the events offered to become the people they are now. They feel good about themselves, and their academics, and about their future, because they feel safe finally.

I will always remember the place where my children and I had our rights for living. I would love to stay here forever because WINGS staff is our only family. We don’t have family in Canada. But at the same time, I know that other women need and deserve to be here and to experience care, love, safety the same way we do. Thank you for giving us the gift to change our life and for helping us find our path to move forward.

When I finally escaped my home and ended up at WINGS, I can say I have the best life ever. I have completed the programming with my kids, and I have been going to university. I will graduate in December with my education degree and am excited to get a job.

Daily groups help with not feeling like you are the only idiot who fell for a partner’s lies.

Weekly counselling helps with finding ways to get over the blame, shame, guilt and anger, and start healthier habits.

Bread donations help with weekly grocery budget. Clothing donations also help with the budget.

WINGS is needed in the province. Our children deserve to see their mother’s safe. Our children will take over the world eventually, isn’t it better to fill their eyes with hopes and dreams than fear and despair? Do it for the kids!

As a single parent with no resources in my community, I had to reach our elsewhere. I found that WINGS of Providence was the place I needed to be at this certain time in my life. I am grateful for the personal counseling groups and assistance I received while I’m living here. The services and staff are very warm and caring people to have crossed my path in the healing journey I am now on. Also, my kids and I are in a safe environment to live freely and happily as we choose. Thank you for the opportunity to participate in a program where my family and I will benefit greatly as we grow and learn each day.

I am a mom living in WINGS at the moment with my beautiful kids. I came to WINGS because I was in another shelter, which was only a 21 day stay. They suggested I go to WINGS because they provide support and have programs that help with domestic abuse.

I came to Canada as an immigrant and met my spouse here. I was physically and mentally abused by my spouse. He isolated me from society. I wasn’t allowed to work or go to school. I wasn’t even allowed to go grocery shopping or to visit family or friends.

WINGS changed that for me. They helped my to grow and showed me that I have the right to be treated as a human being. My counsellor is the best; she helps me to deal with my situation. Now I can speak; I am independent. I can drive a car and I am looking forward to going to school and work. Thanks to WINGS I can get financially stable and they have made me stronger and a more positive person. This place is a home to me and my children and I wish I could stay here forever.

It took me over 3 years to get out of my abusive relationship. My ex was violent and our home was dangerous for me and my daughter. Once, he sent me pictures of a dead animal and said it was our daughter’s cat. He cut up all my ID so I felt like I was no longer a person. Violence was routine - once he kicked me in the face so hard that it caused an infection that went into my teeth. He wouldn’t let me see a doctor, so the infection spread and caused me lots of pain. I had to get all my teeth removed and now I wear dentures.

I knew I had to get me and my daughter safe. I didn’t feel strong, I felt like a cornered animal. No one would rent a place to us, every landlord would call my ex looking for information. Turning to WINGS was the only option I had.

When I arrived and saw my apartment, I cried. Only when you feel safe can you start to heal. I knew I was going to be able to get the help I needed to become a person again. This was my opportunity. I suffer PTSD and depression but being here and accessing the programs helps me learn about myself. It makes me feel better about myself.

WINGS gives me the opportunity to be a good parent to my child. This place is a sanctuary, it’s a safe-haven. When I had my dental surgery, the staff and the women here checked on my all the time. I call them my ‘soup sisters’ - we would sit and drink broth. No one here is going to judge or shame you. For women who are healing from trauma, it’s important to be surrounded by people who understand. This is my community.