Rizing Up
The Property Industry Foundation has partnered with RizeUp Australia to deliver three ‘restart’ packages, which will go towards furnishing three homes for survivors of domestic and family violence. RizeUp works in partnership with specialist domestic violence services across Australia. “By fully furnishing three homes together, we are changing the ending for women and children who are starting over after domestic and family violence,” says RizeUp CEO Nicolle Edwards. “This partnership helps them to not only survive, but thrive.”
Through Workerbees with our donors, the Property Industry Foundation have also pledged to make the homes cosy and welcoming for families. “We’re so pleased the Foundation and their supporters will turn these houses into homes – from filling the pantry, to setting up the beds … complete with cuddly toys,” says Nicolle. “So much support, care, and love go into each and every home.”
“Women have told us that it gives them the hope they need during this big transition into a new community. It’s a light on what can be a very lonely path.”
Nicolle Edwards, RizeUp CEO
Many women leave a place of violence with little more than the clothes on their back and they desperately need support and a safe home. “Moving into an unfurnished home and having to ‘sleep rough’ could mean that families may go back to a place of violence out of necessity,” says Nicolle. “By providing a furnished home, we help women and children transition into their new community. We know this is not the end of the story for them, it’s the beginning of a new life, a life free of violence. Women have told us that it gives them the hope they need during this big transition into a new community. It’s a light on what can be a very lonely path.”
RizeUp hopes that the restart packages will make a difference to families in crisis. “We know that we can’t end domestic and family violence alone,” says Nicolle. “It takes the whole community. Having the support of the Property Industry Foundation means that we can support more families to have the violent-free ending they deserve and also brings us a step closer to ending domestic and family violence.”
RizeUp family feedback:
“For the first time since the kids were born, my tears weren’t from sadness or despair and distress – they were from thankfulness and appreciation for the kindness and generosity displayed and shown by all who touched my home. You touched all of our lives and hearts … it’s a blessing beyond comprehension.”
