Louann’s Story: Getting clean, healing, and rebuilding her foundation

The Salvation Army’s Women’s Shelter in Calgary isn’t just a safe space for women seeking a haven – it’s a place where they have access to opportunities and resources that encourage them to better themselves by setting achievable goals.

Louann is one of those women.

“I am rebuilding my foundation,” Louann says. “I am taking my world that was turned upside down and turning it right side up.”

Apprehended by Children’s Services as a child, she grew up in the foster care system. Homeless during her teenage years, she became a victim of sexual, physical, mental, and verbal abuse.

After three abusive relationships and five children, Louann returned to Calgary from Winnipeg for a fresh start. Unfortunately, all the domestic violence shelters in the city were full, so she was referred to The Salvation Army’s Women’s Shelter in southwest Calgary.

“I came back here to heal from my trauma,” Louann says.

Louann explains that she has learned to prioritize her own well being through the life skills classes offered during the day at the Barbara Mitchell Centre on the same property as the shelter. From her learning experience, she has acquired skills that have taught her to focus on four aspects of life.

First, she starts with her mental health and determines if she needs to attend therapy. Then she moves to her physical health, focusing on doctors’ appointments and caring for her body. From there, she turns to her spiritual health by attending church, praying, and smudging. Lastly, she checks in on her emotional health, which has taught her how to recover while she stays at the shelter.

Louann is one of the shelter’s many success stories and she gives much of the credit to the support she received from the Salvation Army. As of July 1, she’s been clean for 151 days.

“That’s from being here and making the choice of looking after myself and looking after my boundaries,” she says.

The shelter is open 24 hours, seven days a week. Many women leave for work during the day or attend appointments, while others use the resources available to help guide them toward their goals.

The staff teaches life classes on budgeting and banking, helps them with their goal planning, provides housing referrals and employment opportunities, and advocates for the women on their behalf. An on-site Chaplain also prays with them and offers counselling and grief support if they seek it. They even teach resume writing, healthy boundary classes, and bible study.

“My biggest desire is to have my own little space,” Louann said as she looks for a job and housing while attending AA meetings in the community. She also turns to volunteering to help her grow.

“(I want to) eventually become independent and supportive to give back,” she said. “I really enjoy giving my time volunteering, and when I did, it lifted my spirits.”

Today, LouAnn has successfully moved out of the shelter and found a place to live. She continues in recovery and focusing on her four aspects of life.