Sarah-Jane’s smile hides a difficult past. After what she describes as “one hell of a year” Sarah-Jane is finding her feet again, thanks to support from the team at UnitingSA.
The mum of five – Callen, Tyla, Rylen, Hollie-Lee and Ryder-Dean – is an advocate for reaching out for help when you need it.
“It is so good to have Soula and Anna onside,” she says. “I have PTSD and anxiety and, yet, I haven’t felt so comfortable in all my life.”
Sarah-Jane connected with UnitingSA through the Parent Pathways program earlier this year. Parent Pathways is a free and voluntary support service that helps parents of young children to meet their personal, study and work goals.
“Soula has been amazing. She has helped me get back to doing my Diploma in Community Services. My laptop had been smashed so she was able to help with that too. I’m now studying online.”
The program was also able to help Sarah-Jane with food vouchers and nappies for her young son when she was short on cash. But perhaps the biggest relief was helping to pay for a car service.
“These people really are one in a million! You can’t care for a toddler without a car.”
Sarah-Jane has also sought the support of UnitingSA financial counsellor, Anna.
“I had extensive debts which I’ve now made good on. Anna helped me work out a budget and get my bills sorted.
“She made it so easy. In fact, I’ve shared what I learned about budgeting with my oldest son – and he’s using it too.”
“These two are amazing. I can’t sum it up in words. I feel comfortable and connected.”
Sarah-Jane’s young son, who was born eight weeks premature, is her “heart and soul.”
“I was told I could not have any more children. I went to the doctor because I was feeling run down. They ran a range of tests, and I found out I was pregnant. So, he really is my miracle boy; my grounding.”
Sarah-Jane’s message to others is to reach out for help if you need it.
“I think there’s too much stigma about reaching out.
“It is not right that people feel scared. They feel like they will be judged if they ask for help. Or, if they are a parent, they fear their children might get taken away if they look like they’re not coping.”
“What happened to me could happen to anyone.”
Christmas support through the Toy Room
This Christmas, Sarah-Jane will also be visiting UnitingSA’s Toy Room to choose a gift for her youngest son. It will be her first time receiving support like this and she says the relief is enormous.
For a mum who has spent the past year juggling study, bills and the needs of a toddler, the chance to give her children a happy Christmas feels like one less weight on her shoulders.
Looking ahead
Sarah-Jane, who has worked as a mentor and support worker in the past, has big hopes for the new year.
“I’m looking forward to making a fresh start in a new house with my son.
“I want to get myself in a right place, and then I’ll be able help others.
“I can say ‘I’ve been there. Done that.’ I’ve had my own childhood trauma. I didn’t grow up in the perfect happy family with a mum and dad.
“I know a lot of mums struggle. I’ve got lived experience. I think I can use my lived experience to build trust with others.”
Sarah-Jane’s story is a powerful reminder of what can happen when compassion meets courage – you’ve got this girl!
Want to help a family like Sarah-Jane’s this Christmas?
You can help put a smile on a child’s face this Christmas.
Last Christmas, more than 500 families visited the Toy Room and we need your help to keep it stocked and ready for the festive season.
Your financial donations also go a long way in providing essential emergency relief for families facing hardship or homelessness, helping them access food, clothing and hygiene products.
How does the Toy Room work?
UnitingSA works every day with people who are doing it tough. Amongst their clients are many families who need help with gifts and food at Christmas time.
Parents and caregivers are invited to browse the Toy Room in the weeks before Christmas to select a gift, stocking fillers and wrapping paper for their child or children who would otherwise go without.
Not only do the parents get the joy of choosing a gift they know their child will love – our donors know their gifts are going to a child who will delight in unwrapping it on Christmas morning.
To donate, please view our Christmas Appeal page.