From Shelter to Strength: Elle’s Story of hope

8/3/2025

Twenty-nine years ago, she was fifteen and everything felt so overwhelming. She was about to bring a baby into the world all alone. She had no home, no support, and no idea where to turn. Becoming a single teen mom made her feel disoriented and scared.

“I was left completely abandoned. I felt lost and hopeless, as if there was no place for me in this world,” said Elle, one of Elizabeth House's first residents.

“I was two months from turning 16 and in those months, I had no form of income.”

Her family members donated milk and clothes for Elle and her newborn while she figured out what to do.

The social worker assigned to work with Elle had heard about Elizabeth House and told Elle that they gave assistance to young mothers like her.

Elle & her daughter

Sr. Pat Derbyshire

Journey in Elizabeth House

Sister Patricia Derbyshire (Sr. Pat), one of the Elizabeth House founders, welcomed Elle and her daughter, Steph, with warmth and zero judgement.

Elle said that fear hit her because she had no idea what to expect especially when she found out that the place was run by nuns.

“Sister Pat and Sister Norma did not just give us shelter. They gave us tools to build a future. They taught us how to care for our babies, manage a home and believe in ourselves.”

I was in a time of feeling helpless and I was willing to do anything to give my little one a future at the Elizabeth House.” ~Elle

At the time, young mothers like Elle were permitted to stay until the baby turned six months. After that, they had to move out because others also needed support. Elle did not feel ready and begged the sisters to stay; she was given another three months.

“When my time was up and it was time to face the world on my own, it was terrifying when I eventually had to leave,” said Elle.

“I fell into depression. I felt alone and unaware of how I was going to make it. I moved into a one-bedroom apartment.”

Elle cried so much that day that she had to leave the home that gave her hope, assisted her, and taught her life skills. She struggled without the home, without the support she needed.

“Many times, I didn’t think I was going to make it,” said Elle.

“However, Sister Pat never disconnected from us. She continued her relationship with Steph and I. She would come and visit and always brought us donations.”

Sister Pat never left Elle. She has always kept in contact with them until today.

“Elizabeth House gave me the tools to survive and thrive and believe in the future,” Elle continued. “We stand here today because of the help we received all those years ago.”

The Charity Dinner

On May 24, 2025, Blooms and Blossoms volunteers hosted a charity dinner to raise funds for Elizabeth House. It was a night of delicious dinner, wonderful ambience and mood in the Italian Cultural Centre and with a nice variety of silent auction items.

The event championed the hearts of the people who attended and showed their support to the vision and mission of the organization.

Sr. Pat Derbyshire, one of the Sisters of Charity of St. Louis, graced the event by giving a talk. She founded Elizabeth House, together with Sr. Norma, in 1996.

She expressed her gratitude to everyone present at the event and to the people behind the success of the organization. She also shared kind words of upliftment to the present residents of Elizabeth House.

One attendee shared, “Hearing from Sister Pat and one of the first mom’s Elizabeth House helped was incredibly powerful. The House’s motto, Changing Lives, Two Generations at a Time, was in full view, both mom and daughter looked radiant,” said one of the attendees.

Take courage, for you have already taken the first steps to become a loving and caring mother to your baby. You too will grow and come through these days as strong women & loving mothers as many in the past have done.”
~ Sr. Patricia Derbyshire.

“The generous will themselves be blessed, for they share their food with the poor.”
~Proverbs 22:9

Michelle Haywood, manager of Elizabeth House, stated that the amount of $23,421.54 raised during the charity dinner will be matched up to 50 per cent through Rogers Birdies for Kids presented by AltalLink. Donations are still eligible for matching until August 31, 2025.

Elizabeth House is grateful to the event organizing committee of volunteers, event donors, guest speakers, the incredible venue and of course, the many people who gathered in support and celebration.

The organization welcomes donations to continue the work of providing shelter, support and hope to pregnant women and mothers who are facing housing instability and other exceptional circumstances. Go to their website to donate.

As Elle said, “If you’re wondering whether your support makes a difference, I’m standing here today to tell you it absolutely does.”