Kristen’s* life has not been easy, but she is very grateful for the support and encouragement she has received through the Community Resource Centre Outreach and Support Program, Information and Referral, a United Way funded program.

“I have been through a lot since moving to Fergus. I became a single mother of three boys after my 12-year abusive marriage ended in disaster. We moved numerous times to find cheaper rent. I suffered from depression and spent some time unemployed. I have had many different challenges and I have always been able to find the right resources to help through the Community Resource Centre and other local agencies.”

Despite her hardship, Kristen has taken many steps to make a better life for her and her sons.

“I went back to school and graduated from college. I work at a local office on a part-time basis,” says Kristen, “I think I have done well under the circumstances.”

The Community Resource Centre was one of Kristen’s first points of contact when she moved to Fergus.

“My move to Fergus originally led me to the Community Resource Centre. I looked the number up to find local programs, activities and groups in the area for myself and my 14 month old little boy. I was given information about the local play groups and other groups that we would fit into in the community. I attended the play groups with all of my children, as well as some library story times and local health unit programs.”

As time went on, Kristen continued to go to the Community Resource Centre where she received support from a number of helpful and compassionate staff.

“There have been many individual situations in my life where the outreach workers [at the Community Resource Centre] have made a difference. Over my years in Fergus, I have had the privilege of being the client of several different workers. They were all helpful and compassionate to my situation and to the needs of my family. I also appreciate that no matter what situation or circumstance I found myself in, I never felt judged. The fact that they have been mindful of my situation and in-tune with the needs of my family has made the biggest difference.”

She credits the supports and services she found at Community Resource Centre as the help she needed to get through hard times.

“I am certain that I have endured these trials that life has dealt me as a result of having countless community supports through the Community Resource Centre. I also think the support and encouragement from those associated with the Community Resource Centre, like outreach workers and other staff, have made, and continue to make, a significant difference in my life. I am grateful for all the help and compassion over many years.”

*Name changed to protect anonymity.