A Double Mother's Success: Breaking Generational Trauma

Pictured: Sheri (top), Gabrielle (right), and Gabrielle’s children (bottom)

Sheri experienced homelessness for years before a friend referred her to Downtown Streets Team (DST). Despite many challenges, DST supported her every step of the way—helping her obtain vital documents like her birth certificate, secure financial assistance, and ultimately find stable housing. With this foundation, Sheri was finally able to regain her sense of stability and well-being. 

Two years ago, Sheri took a courageous step to help her daughter, Gabrielle, escape an unsafe situation. Gabrielle had been living intermittently with her partner and his family, often being forced out and left to sleep in a parked vehicle outside their home. Living in constant fear, her mental health deteriorated quickly. Sheri brought Gabrielle to a DST ‘Success Meeting’ in hopes of finding a way out. 

When DST staff first met Gabrielle, she was understandably hesitant to trust anyone, especially with the father of her children involved. She had no support system, no job, no identification, no transportation, and struggled to attend appointments while caring for her children. After building trust with Gabrielle, DST helped her access a domestic violence shelter and obtain a motel voucher to temporarily house her and her children. DST soon helped the family transition into a place of their own, complete with furniture, food, healthcare, child support, and other essential resources. 

With continued support, Gabrielle worked closely with DST to build her resume and eventually secured a job at a school—where her children now attend and receive childcare. Last year, for the first time, Sheri, Gabrielle, and the children were able to celebrate the holidays safely and together, a powerful milestone in their journey toward healing and independence.  

We celebrate three resilient generations and the steps they took to change the trajectory of their lives and those that will come after them. Thanks to your support, DST continues to impact families in our communities and help them break the cycle of generational trauma and poverty. 

Pictured: Gabrielle (left) and her two children during the holidays