Jodie’s youngest daughters are ten and fifteen, and on weekends their home is packed with school friends, movies, and laughter. The family are planning a road trip to South Australia in August, to visit Jodie’s eldest son (aged 28) who has recently had a baby girl. Life is full.
Eighteen months ago, however, circumstances were bleak. Jodie and her girls were living in their car after fleeing domestic violence in North Queensland.
“We had been homeless, moving between camping spots and people’s backyards, for about two years. I’d reached out to so many people and had almost given up.”
“My brother’s friend said to come here [to YFS]. It was storming and I was about to set up camp near the creek — there was nowhere else.”
YFS helped Jodie and her daughters move into temporary motel accommodation and then secure long-term affordable housing with Home in Place.
Centre-based Support (YFS’ central intake point for people needing housing support and emergency accommodation) also helped Jodie reenroll her daughters in school and access support for their transition.
“My girls, they’re loving it. They’re social little bees and their friends can come over now. One has started senior and is doing music extension and the other is always getting Student of the Week awards. They’re thriving.”
Jodie’s own wellbeing has also improved, which gives her daughters great joy and peace of mind.
“The girls, they know everything. They see I’m in a much better place. My youngest at home, she says how proud she is of me and what I got through so we could be here now.”
“My girls have seen me bounce back, with a bit of support. [My YFS worker], she really had my back. She guided me and had a huge impact.”
Jodie has recently finished her Assistant in Nursing qualification and is doing further studies in dementia care — while balancing full-time work at an aged care facility. Her work can be tough, but she finds it rewarding.
“I lost my grandfather eight years ago. He experienced severe neglect at his nursing home. Being able to work [in this area] and make somebody’s day a bit better, it makes me feel better too.”
“I like to keep the families updated. I never want them to have to wonder what’s going on or if their loved one is comfortable with us.”
Having a secure house, a job she loves, and good schools have made a huge difference for Jodie and her girls, but it isn’t the only thing which has changed.
“All six of my children are in contact with me again. I have good relationships with them, something I didn’t think I’d ever have again with the older ones. And now my grandchildren too.”
“It’s incredible. It’s been huge.”
Jodie encourages others needing support to keep reaching out until they find it.
“I tried, so many times — seven times over two years but I couldn’t find us a house. Just keep trying, because eventually someone will hear it.”
“YFS has been life changing for me and the girls. It’s so crazy, thinking where we were before without support.”
