Survivor Story

Sofia

Sofia came to Casa Myrna after having lived in several shelters throughout the US. To escape from an abusive relationship, she and her two children moved from their home country in South America to Texas. Sofia was raped while in Texas and became pregnant with her third child.

As Texas no longer felt safe, Sofia came to Massachusetts and was able to secure shelter at Casa Myrna. COVID-19 prevented Sofia from being able to find employment after her move, so she focused on beginning to heal from the significant trauma she had experienced and what she wanted in her life. Sofia also began taking English classes to improve her employability.

Casa Myrna helped her to meet her family’s basic needs with emergency food and supplies, thanks to funding from the Boston Resiliency Fund. Staff also connected her and all three of her children, who who also showed signs of trauma and instability, with a therapist. Recently, Sofia and her children secured housing with support from Casa Myrna’s Rapid Rehousing Program. Her family is now feeling safe and making plans for the future.