Celine came to Crossroads in November 2008 after her husband strangled her - as their young son watched - until he thought she was dead. He left the house, leaving their son alone while she was unconscious, believing his mother was dead. When she gained consciousness, she knew she needed to get out of the house. She was packing bags when she heard her husband come home. With no other exit, she broke the window out of her son’s bedroom and escaped with her son, but with no extra clothing, money, phone, or any other resources. The two walked to the nearest convenience store and the clerk called the police. An advocate from Crossroads came to meet her at the hospital and brought Celine and her son to the Safehouse. Her husband was arrested, but left town when he was released on bond. He is currently on the FBI’s most wanted list.
During her shelter stay, Celine found employment and child care and secured an apartment within her budget. She left the Safehouse after six weeks, never to return to her abusive husband. Celine and her son still meet with their advocates and attend support groups regularly.