Six years ago, Cat didn’t have the supports in place that she needed, when she found out that she was pregnant.
Instead, she found herself in an emotionally and physically abusive romantic relationship with a man who had mental health issues, and no family to lean on in the country.
For the sake of everyone involved, most importantly her unborn child, she needed to find help. Quickly.
CUPS housing and emotional support programs were the start of what Cat considers a magical journey.
Her initial connection with CUPS housing went very well.
“I was about to be living on the streets, and she got me housing just in the nick of time."
However, in a dramatic turn of events shortly after Cat gave birth, Child and Family Services removed her infant from Cat’s care.
Due to issues that arose involving the child’s father, she was now in the fight of her life: to get her son back.
Alongside her aunt, CUPS was able to advocate in court for Cat and her son was returned to her care just 45 days later.
"Later, I came to call (my case worker) my Fairy Godmother.”
Unable to work due to complications that arose from having received several concussions, CUPS helped set up Cat with both income support and rent subsidy programs.
From emotional supports to community resources, Cat was also connected with furniture, movers, and the Nurturing Parenting Program.
She reached out to tell us recently just how grateful she has been to work with us.
"When my son says he loves me, at least 12 times a day, I think how fortunate we are to have CUPS."
Through various other programs CUPS has been able to help her access, Cat continues to move forwards on her path of success as a single mother.
She has been able to engage with her son regularly in the Calgary community with the help of the city’s Fair Entry program, which helps them access affordable activities such as: swimming, passes to both the Science Center and Heritage Park, local hockey games and even a Monster Truck rally!
“I think I had more fun than everybody we went with! I have always wanted to go to one since I was a kid!"
As her son continues to grow and their small family blossoms, we continue to support them with our multi-layered, integrated network of resources including the Child Development Centre.
It was there that Cat’s son’s speech delay was transformed with the help of a speech pathologist. Today, he is now school-ready.
"We are both so excited!"
And Cat? She is currently enrolled with CanLearn.
"I have been studying English and math with the most patient and knowledgeable tutors, who have been helping me prepare to take the next steps to further my education.”
She is well on her way to achieving her goal of completing her GED.
"CUPS has helped me in so many ways. I don’t know what I would have done without them."