When you give to United Way’s Community Fund you make it possible for everyone to have a healthy life and participate in our community

Alison’s dream as a young mother was to support her daughter by creating a life of their own while working in the field of plumbing. In order to achieve her goals, Alison had to find the courage to leave an abusive relationship; which she did over two years ago. This was when Alison and her daughter moved into Alice Housing, a safe and affordable housing program for women and children escaping family violence.

When Alison first arrived at Alice Housing she was full of anger and regret. It wasn’t hard to tell that she was struggling with her self worth as a woman and a mother. However, after months of counseling and support she began to open up and the transformation began. Her self esteem and confidence were quickly on the rise and she learnt to parent proactively, instead of reactively. Alison had come full circle.

“We always feel fortunate to share in the many accomplishments of our clients,” says Joanne Bernard, Executive Director of Alice Housing. “For many women, the dream of post secondary education and working in their career choice is often taken from them in the form of years of domestic abuse.”

With help from Alice Housing, Alison had upgraded her high school diploma and was accepted into the plumbing program at Nova Scotia Community College. She is now fulfilling her dreams, something that seemed impossible only a few short years ago.

United Way supports programs that build on the strengths of participants so they can achieve their potential. 83% of the women and children who leave Alice Housing never return to their abusive households.

By giving to United Way’s Community Fund you can help support important programs such as Alice Housing and allow dreams like Alison’s to come true.