For the casual observer, it looked like your average family barbeque. The afternoon sun drifting off, the kids chasing each other around the garden and the sausages on the grill sizzling away.
But for Sara* it was more than just a barbeque—it was a milestone filled with hope. At the age of 27, Sara was celebrating one year of sobriety.
Eighteen months prior, Sara was up against enormous challenges. Her life had been filled with intergenerational trauma. Family violence and substance addiction were commonplace in her childhood. Her parents and both her brothers had ongoing battles with substance abuse, and by age 13, Sara was already struggling with her own substance addictions.
Eventually, Sara’s addiction caught up with her. It was at this point that Sara found the courage to ask for help. And that’s when she found Treena, a Family Worker with MacKillop’s Family Strengthening Service, which offers parenting support to help give children the best start in life.
Sara shared with Treena the trauma she had endured most of her life. Treena responded compassionately and without judgment. She could see that Sara wanted a better life—not just for herself but also for her children.
When she first contacted Treena, Sara told her, “I want to be a good mum. I want to be better for the kids. I don’t want to lose them.”
Treena was blown away by Sara’s commitment to conquer her addiction, even without the support of her family and friends.
“She did this on her own. She wanted this and she just did it,” Treena explained.
Sara showed resilience and courage in continuing to focus on her goal of a future where she and her children are safe and healthy.
With help from Treena and other support services, Sara acquired a bed in a rehabilitation centre. After a lengthy six-month stay at the centre, Sara successfully completed the program.
“You always worry that they’re going to leave—because they always have that choice of leaving," explains Treena.
"I’m just so proud of her because she did it, and on her own. No family there or anything like that. I think that takes a very strong woman to do something like that.”
After leaving the rehab centre, Treena could see Sara’s confidence growing as she transformed herself into a self-reliant woman. Before rehab, she lacked belief in her ability to do things on her own. Now, whether it is taking the initiative to fill out forms or make a phone call or do something for her and her children, Sara is taking charge of what is happening in her life.
Sara’s remarkable story is a wonderful reminder that everyone can change their circumstances. Despite carrying the weight of childhood trauma and violence in her home, Sara defied the odds and changed the course of her life and the future of her children.
Our work at MacKillop Family Services depends on the generous hearts of our kind supporters. If you’re in a position to help, please donate today so that we can continue to support children, young people, and families to grow and thrive.
*Names have been changed and stock images used to protect the privacy of our clients
