“In December, 2004, I decided my husband had harmed me for the last time,” says 43-year-old Shelley Aldred. “I was determined not to end up in a body bag.”

Shelley’s parents divorced when she was very young. Through unforeseen circumstances Shelly ended up in foster care. It wasn’t long before Shelley’s new safe haven turned into a house of horror.

“I was abused sexually by a 14-year-old boy living in the house,” says Shelley. “I was seven years old. Fear drove me to keep my nightmare a secret.”

Eventually Shelley moved home, but she wanted nothing to do with advice and house rules. At age 16, she moved out.

For more than 10 years, Shelley pursued various careers, education opportunities and relationships. All were unsuccessful. She had still not overcome the pain of an abusive childhood.

Shelley met Dan (not his real name) in her late 20s. It wasn’t long before Dan’s alcoholic binges turned rage into abuse. Shelley was six months pregnant when the first signs of violence appeared. Shoves turned to choking, punching and fighting.

“He knew how to make marks on me that no one could see,” says Shelley. “I just kept making excuses for him.”

When Dan moved in with another woman Shelley’s life was peaceful—but not for long. She was fired from her job. Now a single mom, she was frantic. How would she pay her rent? She didn’t qualify for social assistance, but was referred to the Homelessness Prevention Program operated by The Salvation Army in Newmarket, Ontario.

“The Salvation Army got me out of a jam,” says Shelley, “And, their emotional support and the values they represented were good and strong, something I longed for.

“The past four years have been a struggle, in particular as it relates to my finances,” Shelley continues. “I had creditors calling daily and finally had to claim bankruptcy. I worked, but had no idea how to manage my money as a single mom.

“That’s why I attend The Salvation Army financial management class. It is part of a recovery program the church offers that includes anger management, grief sharing and health and wellness.

“Everyone has money problems at some point in their lives,” says Shelley. “With the downturn in the Canadian economy we need to know how to manage our money more than ever. To learn how to manage my money and not let it manage me has been worth its weight in gold.”