Bluebird Cottage Welcomes New Family

The Shelter’s two-year Transitional Living program offers 3 bedroom/2 bath cottages to survivors of domestic violence and their families. The program includes housing, community services, counseling, education, and financial classes as participants work towards self-sufficiency. In preparation for each new family, members of The Shelter Guild transform the cottage with new household items and quality used furniture from The Shelter Options Shoppe. The family can take all these items and furnishings with them at the conclusion of the program.

Klarissa and her two daughters recently moved into the Bluebird Cottage. Our Transitional Living Director Helaina Moisant shared the family’s reaction as they saw their new home for the first time.

’The girls immediately ran through the house exploring every room. They were so excited to see their pink bedrooms, their bikes, and their very own desks and mirrors. They couldn’t stop talking about having spaces where they could do their homework and continue doing well in school.

Mom was just as excited. She kept commenting on the windows and how much she loved the natural light. She said having things to look at outside made the home feel peaceful and comforting. When she saw the purple couch, she smiled and said, ‘This is such a blessing.’”

This move came at an especially important time for her, as she is currently recovering from a recent surgery. You could tell how much it meant to have a safe, comfortable place where she and her daughters could focus on healing and moving forward. Later that evening, they celebrated by having dinner with family in their new home and began making memories right away. Seeing their joy was a wonderful reminder that a home provides so much more than shelter it creates space for healing, hope, and new beginnings.

Thank you to The Shelter Guild Cottage Committee Chairs Diane Cahill and Margaret O’Donnell and their fabulous team for preparing the cottage.

For more information on the Transitional Living program, call 239-775-3862.