Empowering Families

Building a better future for families

“Domestic violence is complicated — it’s not always physical; it’s mental, emotional,
financial and so much more.” 
— Cecilia*, a domestic violence survivor at House of the Good Shepherd Ministry at Mary’s House  
(Disclaimer: Photo does not depict an actual domestic violence survivor)

Cecilia* arrived at the House of the Good Shepherd Ministry at Mary’s House 17 months ago. She escaped domestic violence with her young son and found the community at House of the Good Shepherd Ministry at Mary’s House to be the support she needed to start over.  

She’s witnessed mothers who arrive nervous and leave the safety of the shelter, returning to their abusers. “Sometimes, it takes seven times before a mother can say, ‘Enough is enough,’” Cecilia said. But for the mothers who stay, they build a better future for themselves and their children, just like she has.  

With the support of the team at the House of the Good Shepherd Ministry at Mary’s House, Cecilia earned an associate’s degree in general studies. She beams with pride at this accomplishment and shares her plans for a career working with survivors, inspired by the knowledge of how escaping her situation positively impacted her and her young son.  

*Name changed for privacy 

Related Stories

  • Immediate Needs

    Seeing and serving those in need

    Abby’s experiences as a volunteer with the Sister Joyce Dura, O.S.F., Supper Program have transformed her outlook on people who come to Catholic Charities...

  • A beacon of love and understanding for survivors of suicide loss

    When investigative reporter Meg Kissinger set out to write her first article on America’s mental health system, her goal was to explore the discrimination...

  • Empowering Seniors

    A life shaped by service

    Shariff’s mother was a single mom of three children in Waukegan while he was growing up, he says. Their family relied on Catholic Charities...