Christmas 2010-- Margaret's Story
Margaret, an eighteen year old girl, moved into Depaul Ireland's Castlehill project just before Christmas 2009.
At seventeen Margaret left home due to a broken relationship with her family. Though she had struggled with mental health problems in the past, she felt confident that she could make it on her own. She moved in with her boyfriend and began to study Sociology and Psychology in college.
She looked forward to developing a strong and independent future. However, within a few months,
the stress of leaving home began to build up, her relationship became violent and her mental health worsened. It became difficult for her keep focused and to manage her studies.
From this point, she felt that her life was starting to fall apart again. Not knowing what to do or where to turn, she left her boyfriend and checked into hospital. Her nurse there helped her to find Castlehill.
Last Christmas, upon discharge from the hospital, she moved in to Castlehill. In Depaul Ireland services,
Margaret found a warm and welcoming environment, a home where she could feel safe.
Living in Castlehill she felt part of a family and found a network of support which she never had before. She had trained, professional staff that offered guidance, allowing her to focus on making positive choices which will help her to reengage in her future plans.
Recently, a highlight for her was when she applied for and was selected to volunteer at Depaul Ireland's art event at Electric Picnic 2010. The opportunity helped her to overcome her feelings of nervousness with her peers and built her confidence to feel comfortable in group settings. It opened her up to sharing her own
experience with others and helped to heal a little in the process.
With Depaul's help this past year, Margaret has been able to make positive steps on the road to a more independent future.
For more information about how you, too, can make a difference in the life of a person experiencing
homelessness... find us at www.depaulireland.org/depaulangels
