Client Spotlight - A New Beginning!

I moved to Ontario in 1996 to get away from an increasingly abusive situation with my ex-husband (a large part of my family lived here). I had to sell almost everything we owned to pay for the trip here. When the kids and I arrived, we had only what our mini-van could hold and about $2 cash. It was a scary time to have 3 children depending on me and nothing to give them. It was not easy to even have to ask for help. Part of me wanted to run away and hide. There were many tears of frustration and fears of the future. The Emily Murphy Centre gave us a place to live and the House of Blessing provided us with food and household items to get started with our new life here.

Several days after arriving it was my oldest daughter's birthday, I was in tears and very sad that I did not even have a cake for her. Florence went downstairs and came back with a gift and a cake for her! Her thoughtfulness and hugs and prayers really helped me get through a very trying time. That was the great thing about the House of Blessing, people were there when you needed them. They would listen to your concerns or problems and always be ready with a hug or an encouraging word.

The love and help given so touched my heart at this great time of need that I wanted to give back to them. In the fall of 1997, I began to volunteer here every Wednesday morning sorting, cleaning, or doing whatever I could to help out. Even my children come out and help when they can. I have done many things over the past years working at the House of Blessing and have always been blessed by the opportunities to reach out to others. It is always amazing to see how God is working through this very special place!