Esther & Sidney Rabb 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.

Melody moved into the Esther & Sidney Rabb Cottage with her three children. Our Transitional Living Director Helaina Moisant shared the family’s reaction as they saw their new home for the first time.

“From the moment they arrived, the kids were full of excitement. They ran from room to room exploring every corner of the house. The boys were thrilled to have bedrooms of their own, and all the children loved the string lights decorating their rooms. When they discovered the Xbox waiting for them, their excitement filled the entire cottage with laughter and smiles.

Mom experienced the day a little differently. While she was excited, she was also emotional as she reflected on everything her family had overcome to reach this moment. She immediately connected with the reading nook and became especially emotional when she saw the printer in her workspace. It may seem like a small thing, but to her it represented independence, stability, and a fresh start.

Throughout the move-in, Melody shared pieces of her journey and reflected on a time when she never believed she would make it out of her situation alive. Seeing her children safe, happy, and excited about their future brought tears to her eyes. You could see the relief and gratitude she felt as she realized this was truly a new beginning for her family.

At the end of the tour, she looked around the home, smiled, and simply said, ‘I never thought we’d have something like this.’”

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.