Valerie's Story
After leaving home at 15, Valerie landed in an abusive marriage with two children. Soon, she was homeless, addicted to alcohol and living on the streets of St. Catharines.
After leaving home at 15, Valerie landed in an abusive marriage with two children. Soon, she was homeless, addicted to alcohol and living on the streets of St. Catharines.
For 33 of my 48 years, I was an active alcoholic and addict. I struggled with the “disease” of addictions. This was the end result of a childhood filled with abuse, violence and fear.
Keith has been suffering from diabetes since the age of seven. It wasn’t until he was in his thirties that the disease showed more serious side-effects affecting his eyesight with more serious complications to come.
I was in an abusive relationship, afraid and isolated. I didn’t know what to do or who to turn to for help. I finally had the courage to reach out and was referred to the Community Transitional Housing and Support Worker at Bethlehem.
We should never underestimate the power of words. I never will. It was the words of one person that changed my life and gave me the freedom that my three children and I so desperately needed.
After my separation I had a difficult time finding suitable employment. I ended up doing temporary and seasonal jobs. Then, my worst nightmare happened. I lost my home of ten years.