“I chose to come here,” says Sandi.
For seven years, she weathered an emotionally and mentally abusive relationship. Until recently, she hit a breaking point and fled. Thankfully, she landed at The Mustard Seed emergency shelter – a haven she was familiar with and trusted.
“It took a lot of strength and courage, but I had to do it for myself,” Sandi says. “I don’t know where I’d be if it wasn’t for (The Mustard Seed shelter).”
Adopted out of the foster care system when she was six years old, Sandi’s parents raised her to be the feisty, confident, and respectful individual she displays today. Her heart is huge for those she cares for but assures us it’s not to be tampered with.
“I’m going to take care of me at the end of the day,” she says. “(The shelter) offers so much and I’m grateful for the fact that I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, and a place to sleep.”
Sandi is passionate about dancing, dogs, and her four boys. You wouldn’t know it by her gentle and kind demeanour, but she is also a trained security guard with a K9 license.
With the help from Mustard Seed employment coaches and advocates, she’s currently obtaining the proper documents and paperwork to find housing and employment once again, in her desire for a better life.
“I’m very grateful for the services here,” Sandi tells us. “Life kind of throws you a curveball sometimes. But I’m not going to stop investing in myself.”
It’s day by day now for Sandi, as she anticipates rebuilding her life and creating a better future herself.
For support or more information about domestic violence, visit DomesticShelters.org, or contact our Wellness Centres at [email protected].
