
New Beginnings: A Mother’s Journey to Safety, Stability and Healing
A mother and her four children sought safety at the Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh (WC&S) to escape from her abusive partner, who was also the father of her two youngest children. While staying at the shelter, she connected with the Children’s Advocacy Program (CAP) team. The CAP Advocates helped her enroll her children in local feeder schools and arranged safe transportation, ensuring the kids would not need to return to their previous, unsafe school. The children actively participated in CAP activities and received homework assistance.
Meanwhile, the mother worked with Direct Service Advocates (DSA) to create safety plans and set personal goals. She was even able to retrieve her dog from her former home, thanks to the shelter’s on-site pet suite. WC&S provided dog food and supplies using funds from a grant dedicated to pet needs. A DSA with the organization also connected her to a paid training program with a local health system, allowing her to start working while in the shelter. Additionally, the WC&S Housing Stabilization Coordinator helped her search for safe and affordable housing that could accommodate her dog.
With the guidance of the Housing Stabilization Coordinator, the mother relocated to a larger unit suitable for her family and her dog. WC&S used Emergency Solution Grant funds to cover the security deposit, first and last month’s rent and assisted with rental payments for three months. The organization also referred her to an agency that provided furniture and contributed gift cards for essential household items.
The partnership between WC&S and the United Way played a crucial role in this family’s journey toward financial stability. The support provided by the Housing Stabilization Coordinator, a position backed by United Way funding, was instrumental in helping the mother and her children secure a safe and affordable place to live. Now, with a stable home and the family reunited with their beloved dog, the family can focus on healing, finding hope and building a brighter future together.