Karen Wallis
Emmaus, Preston
Karen’s Journey: From Despair to Hope
In 2012, Karen’s life was at its lowest ebb. Years of domestic violence had left her broken, trapped in a toxic relationship with her abusive partner. She had briefly escaped with her two children, but fear drove her back. Her abuser, a heroin addict, found a new way to control her—by injecting her with heroin until she became addicted herself. Her children were taken into care, and Karen remained imprisoned until her abuser died of a drug-related illness.
Breaking free from one addiction, however, led to another. Karen turned to alcohol, and between both struggles, spent time in prison. When she was finally released, she found herself homeless, sleeping rough and suffering a beating on the streets.
Desperate for safety, she found refuge in a public toilet, where she spent over a year each night, locked inside for protection.
Realising she needed to escape the cycle of despair, Karen requested to be placed in a bail hostel in Preston. It was there that she first encountered Emmaus, an organisation that would change her life. Becoming a Companion at Emmaus Preston, she found not only shelter but also purpose, support, and ultimately, love.
At Emmaus, she met Dave, a fellow Companion. Their journey together led to a fairy-tale moment—Dave’s proposal under the Eiffel Tower during an Emmaus Paris Salon event. But the happiest surprise came from an unexpected source. Their engagement story, shared on the Emmaus website, caught the attention of Karen’s estranged daughters. Now grown up, they reached out, and today, Karen enjoys a loving relationship with all three of her children and her grandchildren.
Karen’s personal transformation mirrored her professional growth. She moved from being a Companion to working part-time as a Support Worker at Emmaus. Determined to build her skills, she pursued qualifications in counselling (Levels 2 & 3), drug and alcohol recovery, and mental health. Her part-time role became full-time, and her innate ability to connect with Companions, owing to her lived experience, saw her rise to Head of Support and Deputy Chief Executive.
Today, Karen is not only a leader at Emmaus but also a national advocate for ending homelessness.
She has spoken at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Ending Homelessness and addressed the Prime Minister at Downing Street. She regularly speaks at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) and mentors social work, medical, and pharmacy students on placements. However, her most profound impact remains with the Companions and individuals she helps daily—guiding them out of homelessness by challenging behaviours and providing unwavering support.
Her story is not just one of survival—it’s a testament to the power of transformation, resilience, and the impact of unwavering support.
Over the past nine years, Karen has helped over 200 people transition from homelessness to stable employment and independent living. Her dedication, resilience, and compassion make her a beacon of hope—a true force for good who is determined to change lives.
On May 16, 2025, Karen will share her inspiring story at the Inspiring Women Awards Lunch at The Lowry Hotel. Don’t miss the opportunity to hear from this remarkable woman.