Angie’s Story
Before finding safety at Haven House Shepparton, Angie and her child were stuck in a chaotic and unhappy life situation that felt impossible to escape. Living in a severely overcrowded, run-down family home with alcohol and drug use and family violence, Angie struggled to establish a parenting routine and boundaries.
Despite her best parenting efforts, Angie was undermined by family members and her child slipped behind at school, repeating kindergarten and unable to complete basic tasks like identifying colours or holding a pen correctly. Wanting a better life for herself and her child, Angie slowly began to trust and accept support from The Bridge Youth Service (TBYS), seeking mental health treatment and help with housing.
A move to Haven House Shepparton earlier this year has completely changed the family’s life and outlook. Angie’s child attends school regularly and is happier and more settled. They are catching up on number and colour recognition and fine motor skills and have made lots of new friends. Angie has been able to establish positive daily routines and feels more confident and empowered in her parenting. She’s accessing support services and has a goal to eventually support her family through further education and employment opportunities.
“Angie no longer feels like she is in a “black hole” she can’t get out of – her life now has stability, hope, and a future,” say TBYS.
*Name changed for privacy
More About The Nest
Three newly built units are operated by The Bridge Youth Service (TBYS) and managed in partnership with Women’s Property Initiatives (WPI). The homes are currently occupied by women aged 18-25, identified as being at risk of homelessness, living in unsafe or overcrowded living situations, and ready to engage with support programs to put their lives back on track and support their kids. TBYS provides wraparound case management to each family to stabilise housing, improve wellbeing, and achieve positive family outcomes.
