This Mother’s Day, Cristle’s story highlights the strength and resilience of mothers striving for a better future for their children. Last year, Cristle made the biggest decision of her life: leave her abusive relationship and give her unborn children a chance at a brighter, safer future.
After making that courageous decision, Cristle faced a new set of challenges. Her twins were both born prematurely and suffered from health problems. Her daughter spent over a month in the NICU, needing a feeding tube. Cristle never missed a day visiting, determined to be there for her babies. “Your kids come before anything,” she stated.
Cristle knew she needed a stable environment for her twins. She could no longer stay with friends or family members for short periods of time. So, when she called the YWCA, she got connected to Shelter of Flint. With the support of Lorraine, her case manager, and the resources provided by our Permanent Supportive Housing program, Cristle and her 8-month-old twins are now settled in a home of their own. She is “grateful for everything Shelter of Flint provides” as she continues to take frequent trips to the hospital to treat her children’s ongoing health issues.
Now, Cristle is beginning to see a more hopeful future. “No negative, straight positive. Now I can LIVE,” she said. But her journey is far from over. Cristle is determined to foster a stable life for her children long-term. She dreams of writing a book one day, sharing her story to inspire others and bring hope to those who feel hopeless. She wants to show other women that even in the darkest times, there is a light ahead, and you can rebuild your life.
Cristle reminds us of the resilience our clients have, and she shows us how much mothers fight to have a better life for their children.
If you’re interested in helping mothers like Cristle not only survive, but thrive, consider making a donation to Shelter of Flint today. Your donation will directly impact the lives of mothers and children in our care.
