Holly Yzquierdo

“Dana” and her two young sons found refuge at My Sisters’ Place, a confidential domestic violence shelter in the East Valley. For six years, Dana’s abusive boyfriend treated her like a prisoner and used her children as leverage to keep her compliant. Her abuse was extensive and involved threats to both her life and that of her children.

One day, there was a small window of opportunity to escape. Dana took her boys but had to leave everything they owned to flee.

What are your earliest memories of Christmas? Is it Santa, a room full of presents or family gatherings? Children in Catholic Charities unaccompanied minor program (UMP) recently got their first taste of Christmas.

These children entered the country without a parent, some as refugees from war-torn countries. They are placed with a foster care family as they learn a new language and customs, while going to school.

Westin Kierland Resort and Spa recently worked with Catholic Charities by creating Thinking of You notes. Three hundred volunteers spent hours creating these notes that will be given to clients in our various programs.