Two years ago, Cristine’s life changed in a single afternoon. She came home to Glenwood Springs with her young son and found the locks on their doors had been changed.
Inside was everything they owned.
“I was a stay-at-home mom,” she said. “We had no money, no plan and nowhere to go.”
In an instant, Cristine and her son were unhoused. Her ex-husband began pursuing full custody, using her housing instability against her. Cristine lived in fear and uncertainty, trying to protect her child while figuring out what to do next.
Within weeks, her son’s school connected her to Catholic Charities in the Western Slope. That is when she met Kathy.
“I think it was less than a week and she had us housed. She’s a miracle worker.”
That quick response is at the heart of Catholic Charities’ work across Colorado’s Western Slope. When families face crisis, whether because of domestic violence, housing instability or financial hardship, the team meets them where they are with practical help and long-term support. Through partnerships with local schools, housing authorities and community organizations, Catholic Charities helps people move from emergency situations toward stability and independence.
Catholic Charities helped Cristine and her son move into safe housing in Parachute. It was the first step toward stability and safety. They were also able to bring something that mattered deeply to both of them during such a traumatic time: their dog.
“That was really important,” Cristine said.
Through Catholic Charities, Cristine also received rental assistance, Christmas support and consistent case management. But what made the greatest difference was the relationship she built with Kathy.
“She never enabled me. She let me vent and then she would say, ‘Okay, let’s get down to business. What are you going to do next?’ She gave me tough love when I needed it, and she was always there.”
Together, they set goals. Cristine met every one of them.
Over time, her confidence returned. She worked part time, then went back to school and became a teacher. Her income increased. Within six months, she had transitioned off food stamps, Medicaid and other public assistance.
“It sounds easy when you say it out loud. But it wasn’t. I had to rebuild myself from the ground up. The rug had been completely pulled out from under me.”
Along the way, Cristine also sought counseling to heal from the trauma of domestic violence. She focused on creating stability for her son, who had also experienced fear and disruption. Today, they are rebuilding their lives together, working through challenges and looking toward the future.
Her son is now nine years old and doing well.
“We’re normal now. I tell Kathy, I’m a real person again. I get to be a person. I get to be independent.”
Recently, Cristine made another courageous step. She transitioned into a higher-paying career in sales so she can continue supporting her family as her time working closely with Catholic Charities winds down. Though she admits she feels some anxiety about the future, she also feels something she did not have before: confidence.
“Kathy helped me gain that back. She was always there, silently supporting me. I know I can do this.”
The support from Catholic Charities extended beyond housing. For two years, Cristine and her son were adopted by families during the holidays.
“You gave us our Christmases back. We were bracing for not having much. Then everything came through. It meant more than I can explain.”
Today, Cristine looks back with gratitude. She no longer sees herself as someone in crisis. She sees herself as someone strong, capable and hopeful.
“I can’t thank Catholic Charities enough. Your people are amazing. You helped me become fully independent. You helped me get my life back.”