When Luisa first connected with Catholic Charities of Denver serving the Western Slope in June 2024, she was five months pregnant, recovering from a traumatic assault and staying in a local hotel with her young daughter. Her partner, who had pushed her down the stairs during a domestic violence incident, had been arrested. She was in pain, afraid and unsure of what would come next.
The hospital where she was treated became the first link in a chain of care. Staff connected her to the Advocate Safe House, and through that collaboration, Luisa was introduced to Catholic Charities and other Western Slope partners. Within a week, she and her daughter were safely housed in a one-bedroom apartment. Soon after, she welcomed her baby boy.
“At that time, I just needed somewhere safe. I was pregnant, had nowhere to go and felt like I was set up for failure. Catholic Charities helped me get a home so I could begin again.”
On the Western Slope, Catholic Charities works alongside local agencies to help individuals and families move from crisis to stability. Through emergency and food assistance, housing support, case management and partnerships with domestic violence shelters, healthcare providers and community organizations, the Western Slope team meets people where they are. Their work often includes rental assistance, advocacy with landlords, budgeting support, connections to public benefits and long-term planning so families can regain independence and build a secure future.
Through a homeless prevention program, Catholic Charities helped cover a portion of her rent while she worked toward stability. For a moment, life seemed to be moving forward. She was determined, responsible and hopeful about the future. But only two weeks after giving birth, everything changed.
Luisa needed emergency back surgery.
She spent more than a month in the hospital, enduring multiple surgeries and intensive physical therapy. When she was discharged, she could not walk, needed a wheelchair and required constant supervision. At home, the challenges multiplied. Her apartment was on the third floor with no elevator and was not wheelchair accessible.
Every appointment became an ordeal. Family, friends and volunteers formed a rotating support system, moving in and out to help care for her and her children. Some days, they carried her down the stairs step by step. Other days, she struggled to navigate spaces too narrow for her wheelchair.
“It was one of the hardest times of my life. I couldn’t even pick up my baby. I lost my independence. I felt miserable and overwhelmed.”
At the same time, her landlord began threatening eviction because of the additional support people living with her temporarily. Despite providing medical documentation and proof of her situation, the stress and fear continued. Catholic Charities stepped in, advocating on her behalf and helping her navigate her rights as a survivor of domestic violence. With their support and collaboration with other partners, Luisa was eventually able to break her lease and move into a safer, accessible home.
That turning point changed everything.
The new home gave her the stability and dignity she needed to heal. She focused on recovery, therapy and caring for her children. Determined to rebuild, she spent long days in the library while her children were in school and childcare, conserving resources and preparing for her next step.
One day, she realized that if she could sit for hours working on her recovery, she could build a new career. She applied for an office job, even though she had no prior experience.
“I told them that I just had surgery, but I was willing to learn and work hard.”
She was hired. The opportunity became a launching point for her future. Today, Luisa works as an office manager and is pursuing professional certifications as an interpreter and translator. She is also working toward becoming a public notary and realtor so she can better serve families in her community.
Her commitment to giving back has become a defining part of her journey. Over the holidays, she organized “Santa in Spanish” events at local libraries, creating a joyful space where Latino children could meet Santa and celebrate in their native language. She is an active member of her daughter’s school, serving on the PTO and volunteering at events. She regularly connects neighbors to resources, referrals and support, including Catholic Charities programs.
“I remember what it felt like to be in that chair, crying because I couldn’t hold my baby. Now I want to show others that good things can happen. You just have to keep working and not give up.”
Luisa has even begun helping Spanish-speaking families navigate housing. In recognition of her impact, she was recently nominated as a local “Town Hero” in Glenwood Springs, a reflection of how far she has come.
Today, Luisa continues to move forward—walking short distances, using mobility supports when needed and building a stable, hopeful life for her children.
For Catholic Charities staff who have walked alongside her, her journey has been extraordinary to witness. From crisis to stability, from receiving support to offering it, Luisa embodies what is possible when compassion, collaboration and determination meet.