Gimme Shelter

Agnes 'Apple' Bailey is abandoned by her father even before she is born. This sets the stage for a difficult life filled with instability and trauma.

As a child, Apple is taken from her mother, June, and placed into various foster care homes. These experiences are marked by physical and sexual abuse, compounding her trauma and leaving deep scars.

After several attempts to integrate into foster care, Apple is returned to her mother, June. Unfortunately, this reunion only brings more abuse, as June continues to mistreat her daughter.

Desperate for a better life, Apple makes the brave decision to run to New Jersey to seek help from her estranged father, Tom. She hopes to find safety and support in a new environment.

Upon learning of Apple's arrival and unexpected pregnancy, Tom and his wife face a moral dilemma. They pressure Apple to either have an abortion or leave their home, highlighting the complexities of family dynamics and responsibility.

After leaving her father's house, Apple experiences a nearly fatal car crash. This incident not only puts her life in danger but also forces her to confront her desperate situation and the choices she has made.

Following her car accident, Apple is hospitalized where she meets Father McCarthy. He offers her guidance and support, becoming a pivotal figure in her journey towards healing.

Father McCarthy introduces Apple to Kathy DiFiore, who runs a shelter for pregnant teenagers. This meeting presents Apple with a glimmer of hope as she learns about the possibility of a supportive community.

June learns about Apple's situation and threatens to reclaim her daughter, seeking to exploit the child for social security benefits. This looming threat forces Apple to make difficult decisions about her future.

Not wanting to return to her abusive mother, Apple chooses to go to Kathy's shelter. This decision marks a turning point in her life as she seeks refuge and a chance to build a better future.

At the shelter, Apple unexpectedly discovers the love and support she has longed for through her interactions with the other teenage mothers. Kathy's caring environment begins to heal her emotional wounds.

Kathy DiFiore dedicates over 20 years of her life to caring for pregnant teenagers. Her commitment not only impacts Apple's life but also serves as an inspiration to those around her.

As Apple assimilates into the shelter's community, she starts to embrace the prospect of motherhood and the chance for a fresh start. This newfound hope leads her on a path toward healing and self-discovery.

Apple forms deep connections with the other residents at the shelter, creating a bond that provides emotional support and understanding. Together, they navigate the challenges of their circumstances.

Through her experiences at the shelter, Apple is able to find a sense of family for the first time. She begins to understand the power of community and the importance of unconditional support.