For women like Catelyn, Deborah’s Place represents a fresh start. Having fled domestic violence on the East Coast, she was the victim of a violent crime here in Chicago and suffered an episode of psychosis because of these traumatic experiences. After all this, she found refuge and support in a 120-day transitional program at Deborah’s Place. There, staff helped her get new copies of her important documents and pursue her goal of finding a permanent place to live. Last week, she moved into her own apartment: for the first time in two years, she has a stable place all her own.
With this stable foundation beneath her, she’s excited to continue her career as a pastry chef, and to make her home a welcoming place for her adult children to visit. As Catelyn moves into this new chapter she’ll continue to have support from Deborah’s Place Alumnae Services. No matter what obstacles may appear, she’s part of a community of care. She says “I’m starting basically fresh, from scratch. I’m going to leave my past in the past and start feeling at peace. I want to be happy—and for a long time, I didn’t think I deserved that.”
Catelyn’s story, like each of ours, is unique in its details—but it’s also one of hundreds at Deborah’s Place, where women’s lives are changing every day. By donating or volunteering, you help accomplish something powerful: once a woman comes to Deborah’s Place, she will never be homeless again. Learn more and support us at deborahsplace.org.
Deborah’s Place
For women experiencing homelessness in Chicago, Deborah’s Place opens the door to opportunity and stability. Going beyond just shelter, Deborah’s Place provides a supportive community and wrap-around services. Each year hundreds of women receive dedicated guidance as they pursue their goals for healthier, safer, more independent lives. With a key in her pocket and a team by her side, anything is possible on her journey.
You can help Deborah’s Place change lives by donating or volunteering. Learn more at https://www.deborahsplace.org