Amanda and Vincent’s Story

The tell-tale signs were there early in the relationship. The decision to look past them and to stay the course would be a decision that Amanda would regret for years to come. A person can trick themselves into believing that it’s normal. The accusations, the insults, the verbal abuse and mental instability; it was all part of Amanda’s everyday life and it became normal to her. She had been with her partner for several years and didn’t remember it ever being any other way.

Things escalated as they often do in abusive relationships and Amanda found herself and her young son without a home. She had mustered the courage to leave her partner but was now left with nowhere to go. After staying in transition housing, and then second-stage housing briefly, Amanda and Vincent moved in with some friends while she tried to figure out how to afford any kind of housing in Chilliwack. When an apartment unit became available at the RAN Family Centre, Amanda jumped at the opportunity.

Living at RAN for over a year now, Amanda is grateful for the life that she has been able to give Vincent. The feeling of safety and security had alluded her for so many years.

"Before I came here, the abuse had impacted me, and my mental health was in decline. The staff have been so supportive and the services that are available to me are so helpful! Vincent even had the opportunity to go to @campsqueah this summer for the first time and had such an amazing experience! All kinds of people are helped by Ruth and Naomi’s Mission - it could be anybody. It could be your neighbour, your friends, your family - people don’t just wake up one morning and decide that they are going to become addicted to drugs or become homeless. When I do still have a bad day, I take a deep breath and recognize the things and people I have around me and I am so thankful for where I’ve landed.