Dolores Catania: A Visit Inside a Women’s Shelter Who Have Fled Domestic Violence

Men aren’t always welcome or permitted in a women’s shelter. Just before Christmas last year, my friend Dolores Catania, a force of nature with a big heart and a strong sense of service (you may know her from The Real Housewives of New Jersey), was able to bring me inside a shelter she supports in Paterson, New Jersey, that houses women and their children who have fled domestic violence.

I met several women, long-term devoted leaders of the shelter, and current residents, some with young ones, and I was honoured and humbled that the residents I spoke to shared their powerful stories with me around the shelter’s kitchen table.

I hope this episode of The Shaun Proulx Show helps keep our awareness of domestic violence on high so that we can break cycles, help one another, and not be ashamed if violence in the home happens to me or you. And not stigmatize others when we learn of their circumstances.

I left the shelter that cold night aware of how lucky I am. You will probably feel renewed appreciation for your life as well when you listen to this episode. I also felt renewed knowing that very little separates us. Superficial things do, but we all want to feel loved, safe, cared for, appreciated and seen. To feel that we matter.

We are all stars just wanting to shine.

Special thanks to Dolores (xo) and to the extraordinary women you’ll meet on this very special Shaun Proulx Show. May each of your stories have a happy ending.