testimonial
testimonial

A Family Flees Violence and Creates a New Life

Melissa, a U.S. Veteran and construction trade employee, has overcome domestic violence, homelessness and the temporary loss of her children. During one of her lowest points, she and her daughters were living in their car. Thankfully, she was able to open up to CTI’s Early Education and Care staff at the James Houlares Early Learning Center who linked Melissa to supports both within and outside of CTI including a Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing voucher and helped her find an apartment. Today, she and her daughters are still part of the CTI’s Early Education and Care program. “I would not have been able to do any of this without CTI,” says Melissa, who participates in the CTI Family Strengthening Project and Parenting Classes.

shelter
shelter

A Safe Place to Heal and Move On

Common Ground was instrumental in renovating CTI’s Milly’s Place family shelter, providing a safe and supportive haven for numerous families including Jennifer and her three children. “My children and I were traumatized from domestic abuse. Milly’s Place and its staff transformed our lives,” says Jennifer, noting that staff quickly entered her family into trauma counseling and helped her be trained and certified in Mental Health. “Milly’s Place taught me how to understand abuse and take care of myself and my kids. The staff encouraged me to believe in myself and know I have a positive view of myself and my family’s future.”