2008 Annual Report - St. Vincent de Paul

8
Kathryn
Kathryn held close the philosophy that
a little hard work goes a long way. She
always thought she could pull herself out
of any situation. For months she endured
mental and physical abuse from her husband,
hoping to hold her family together
for her son, Sean. The day her husband hit
Sean, she made the decision to leave. In
the middle of the night Kathryn took Sean
and fled. They hid in a cemetery for two
days until a shelter could take them in.
Starting a new life was a daunting task.
Kathryn and Sean had left everything behind
— toys, clothing, furniture, friends
and family. The shelter helped Kathryn
and Sean find an apartment, but there
was nothing to make it a home.
Not knowing where else to turn, Kathryn
came to St. William’s St. Vincent de Paul
Conference where she received help
with food, beds, and household items.
“Thank you just seems so very insignificant
for all you have done for us,” Kathryn
said. “My hope was gone. My spirit
broken. I truly felt as if all I could do is
let my son down. What you all do for
people like us is just so wonderful. My
prayers have been answered. Thank you
for giving my hope back to me.”