For nearly two years Kitine Kinisou found herself trapped in an abusive relationship so frightful that she thought there could be no escape. She lived in constant fear for her life and for that of her baby daughter, Kitianne.

Eventually, the torment reached such a point that she could take it no longer.

"We don't deserve this, and it's not right," she told herself, even as she found an opportunity to flee and the courage to actually do it.

Kinisou, with her baby in tow, first sought shelter and protection from family members. But she realized soon enough the family was in no position to take her in. Suddenly she was on her own with an infant daughter and little idea where to turn or how to survive. For a while she wandered with her daughter, finding shelter wherever she could.

Her fortunes improved when the search led Kinisou to an O'ahu emergency homeless shelter that not only welcomed her, but also assisted her through the process of being admitted to a transitional shelter.

Once she was in a secure environment, Kinisou vowed to do whatever she could to make life better for herself and the baby.

Today Kinisou, 33, works a full-time minimum wage job at a fast-food restaurant. During the hours she is on the clock, 3-year-old Kitianne stays at a day care center. Kinisou is pleased that she and Kitianne are now safe and have a roof over their heads.

But while their lives are no longer in peril, their financial status remains dire. With little income, Kinisou finds it hard to get ahead. As she struggles to pay bills, her dreams of financial security remain elusive.

This year she would like a special Christmas day with Kitianne, who is finally beginning to open up after all she's been through.

Kinisou believes a new pair of shoes for Kitianne and a holiday meal would offer the child hope for a new beginning.

"I just want a happy Christmas like everyone else," Kinisou said, "and to make it good for my daughter."