Katelyn's Story of Support
Name has been changed to protect the individual's privacy
In the fall, Katelyn’s life was turned upside down in a single night. Her partner physically assaulted her, and by the time the police had made an arrest, she found herself alone with her two young children, trying to figure out how to survive.
The immediate aftermath was overwhelming. Her partner had controlled the household finances, and when he left, so did the stability she had counted on. She needed to come up with a $1,300 damage deposit just to remain in the apartment she and her children called home. The phone and utilities had been registered in her name, but she had no money to keep them running. At the same time, she was grieving — not just the relationship, but the version of her life she thought she had.
Her children were her anchor. Katelyn accessed every community resource she could find: food banks, community fridges, and food shelves. But even those couldn’t fill every gap. There were no diapers. There was no formula. The bills kept stacking up, and the window to secure her housing was closing fast.
Through the Emergent Women and Children’s Fund, Katelyn received emergency support at a moment when she was, in her own words, drowning. The funding helped cover the damage deposit so she and her children could remain safely housed. It helped her keep her cellphone active — a lifeline for communication with support workers, services, and loved ones. It allowed her to transfer utility services into her own name and to stock up on essentials: baby items, food, and even small gifts for her children at Christmas.
Her children were her anchor. Katelyn accessed every community resource she could find: food banks, community fridges, and food shelves. But even those couldn’t fill every gap. There were no diapers. There was no formula. The bills kept stacking up, and the window to secure her housing was closing fast.
Through the Emergent Women and Children’s Fund, Katelyn received emergency support at a moment when she was, in her own words, drowning. The funding helped cover the damage deposit so she and her children could remain safely housed. It helped her keep her cellphone active — a lifeline for communication with support workers, services, and loved ones. It allowed her to transfer utility services into her own name and to stock up on essentials: baby items, food, and even small gifts for her children at Christmas.
It helped me get a new damage deposit so me and my kids can stay housed. It helped keep my cellphone on and I was able to transfer utility services into my name. It also helped me stock up on baby items and food for us so I don’t have to worry about that for a while
“It helped me get a new damage deposit so me and my kids can stay housed. It helped keep my cellphone on and I was able to transfer utility services into my name. It also helped me stock up on baby items and food for us so I don’t have to worry about that for a while. I am so grateful my worker found this funding and helped take so much stress off my shoulders. Thank you guys so much!”
When Katelyn’s worker called to share the news that she’d been approved, they both cried. It wasn’t just relief — it was hope.
“When my worker said that she found this funding and that I was accepted, we both jumped around my living room in tears. I was so close to being on the street with my children and this funding gave me hope. Thank you for all the work you do for women and children. I never thought I would ever be a victim of domestic assault, and I am so grateful there are people out there willing to help.”
“When my worker said that she found this funding and that I was accepted, we both jumped around my living room in tears. I was so close to being on the street with my children and this funding gave me hope. Thank you for all the work you do for women and children. I never thought I would ever be a victim of domestic assault, and I am so grateful there are people out there willing to help.”
Katelyn reported feeling much better than before she received the support. She described feeling safer, more stably housed, better able to care for her children, respected, connected to community and services, and hopeful about the future. She preferred not to be contacted further — but she wanted her story shared, so others in similar situations might know that help exists.
For Katelyn, this support was more than financial relief. It was the foundation she needed to begin rebuilding, for herself, and for her children.
I never thought I would ever be a victim of domestic assault, and I am so grateful there are people out there willing to help.