“Social worker, I need to become stronger, more stable. I want to be able to tell the judge exactly what I’ve been through and the difficulties I face, I hope the judge can help me!” When Meili entered the shelter because of domestic violence, she was anxious and lost, always speaking cautiously and politely. Watching her journey from timid courtesy to courage reminds us that, despite the heavy emotional toll, shelter work carries immense value.

Meili had endured prolonged psychological abuse and threats from her boyfriend. Every time she tried to end the relationship, his reaction escalated—he even harassed Meili’s children. Not wanting to burden her family any further, she chose to seek refuge in the shelter.

When Meili first arrived, she slept poorly and ate little. Years-earlier cancer treatment left her body in constant pain and discomfort. A gloomy mood hung over her like a long shadow, no smile, no spark. When unfamiliar visitors came to the shelter, she would hurry back to her room, afraid it might be her boyfriend or someone he knew, fearful of being found.

Through time together and careful observation, the shelter’s professional team assessed Meili’s physical and mental state, mobilized as a group, and discussed how best to support her.

As part of the shelter’s day-to-day routine, the resident life counselors discussed each day’s meals with Meili and prepared lunch and dinner together. Through relaxed interactions while cooking in the kitchen, Meili opened up about her past, helping the social worker understand her better. The counselors also learned her dietary preferences and adjusted flavors to improve her appetite. They encouraged Meili to take walks around the shelter or water plants and stroll in the healing garden, hoping that appropriate activities and exercise would ease her physical discomfort and build her strength.

Meanwhile, the social worker took Meili to a psychiatric clinic; medication helped stabilize her anxiety, and she slept more soundly at night. The social worker also assured her they would accompany her to appointments and to pick up prescriptions on schedule. As Meili’s body and mind gradually stabilized, thanks to a regular routine and the team’s efforts, the social worker began discussing plans for her future.

At first, Meili’s children worried the shelter was only a temporary stopgap. They quickly found a rental and wanted her to move in. After the social worker’s explanation and communication, Meili and her children felt reassured, and she remained at the shelter until the protection-order hearing and issuance, which would offer her stronger safeguards before leaving.

As the court date approached, Meili felt some anxiety, but months of stable living at the shelter had calmed her. In the group sessions run by the social workers, she discovered her own strengths and began to trust herself again. One day she told a social worker:“I want to become stronger and steadier. I need to tell the judge clearly what I’ve been through and the hardships I’m facing. I hope the judge can help me.” In that moment, the Good Shepherd team knew Meili had found her own resilience and begun to grow her own power.