KidsKottage

A single mother called our crisis line crying in fear. She had received an eviction notice from her landlord notifying her she had to move out of her residence by March 1, 2022. Consequently, she would be homeless with her two-year-old son. She was nervous leaving her 2- year old child at Kids Kottage. Staff reassured her that her son would be fine at the crisis emergency shelter. She had no positive support and no place to go with her son. Her partner died a few weeks ago due to a drug overdose. She struggles with her mental health and experienced multiple historical childhood experiences. A Children’s Services worker also called the crisis line advocating on behalf of the caregiver. We admitted her son. Due to her intense anxiety, intake staff needed to assist her in filling out the admission paperwork.
She was nervous about leaving her two-year-old child at the crisis shelter. However, the staff reassured her that her son would be safe, nurtured, and in good hands with the crisis shelter team members. He would be well cared for.
The child cried for about fifteen minutes when his mom left.


Staff offered him a stuffed animal, and he was delighted with this. He waved to the children and staff in the playroom. He was happy. He enjoyed playing with toy cars, leapfrogs and play dough.
He was thrilled to play outside in the courtyard. He was attached to staff at the Kottage. He would amuse with his little chat. He would speak on holo phrases/single words – cake, come, mine, walk, car, sit, chair He had a precious smile.
His mom would call daily and inquire how her son was doing at the crisis shelter. She was relieved to learn he was safe, settled, playing, eating and sleeping well. She appreciated the support during this time of crisis in her life.