A place to belong

Because of your generosity, young families like Emma and her son Jacob feel supported and prepared to take on life’s challenges.

When Emma* was first referred to Mission Australia’s Parents Staying Connected (PSC) service she felt incredibly alone. She didn’t have many friends in the area and her son Jacob was experiencing developmental delays that she didn’t quite know how to address. All she wanted was a listening ear and people to walk beside her in her parenting journey.

When it came time for her first meeting, Emma felt a bit anxious about walking into a room where she didn’t know anyone. So a program manager arranged to have her picked up and brought to the group. Emma felt so much relief to have other people to talk to about parenthood.

Over time, Emma got involved in the monthly preparation and serving of food to others receiving assistance from Mission Australia. Through her involvement with the community, Emma discovered a newfound confidence and was asked to become a group mentor.

Both Emma and her son Jacob have found great acceptance within the group. Jacob has already shown so much improvement in his speech as well as socially and emotionally.

Emma is now seen as a role model and is a peer coach. Fostered by the respect other group members and the PSC coordinators have shown her, Emma is now contemplating pursuing study and ultimately employment within the community services sector.

Emma has since been accepted as a parent representative to the local Child and Family Centre Advisory Board. She loves that she can give back through her volunteer efforts and help others who have been through experiences like hers.

We are so happy to see both Emma and Jacob doing so well now – and it’s all thanks to you!

*Names and images have been changed to protect the identities of the people we helped.