Meghan spent three months living in a homeless shelter with her young daughter and pet Alaskan Malamute, Maia.
“It was awful. We were in close proximity with a whole lot of people. We were exposed to drugs, alcohol … you name it. It was supposed to be a safe haven but I left the shelter with extra trauma on top of what I’d already escaped,” she recalls.
“Even my dog was traumatised by the experience.”
Fortunately, earlier this year, Meghan was able to access transition housing while she waits for something more permanent.
“The one good thing to come out of it all is that my support worker has connected me with a whole lot of services,” she explains.
One of those services is, UnitingSA’s Parent Pathways.
Parent Pathways offers free support to parents and carers of young children to help them to achieve their personal, study and work goals.
“I met Sean, and pretty much from day one, he’d lined me up with a job interview,” she explains.
Sean is a Parent Pathways mentor. Mentors work with clients to help them with whatever skills or support they need to progress towards employment. In Meghan’s case, this meant connecting her with first aid and manual handling training to help her get job-ready.
“They also bought my work shoes,” she explains.
Meghan now works as a community support worker helping older people to remain independent at home.
“I work with seniors who need a bit of an extra hand. I help with cleaning, taking them to the supermarket or on an outing.”
Meghan, who worked in childcare prior to the birth of her daughter, is pleased to be learning new skills.
“It’s like I’ve gone from one end of the spectrum to the other.
“The job has many benefits. I’m earning money. I’m building confidence.”
Meghan works about 2 days a week.
“It has got to be sustainable, so this is a good way to start,” she explains.
She says one of the best outcomes so far has been getting out of the house and meeting new people.
“I’ve been able to talk with someone other than my 4-year-old,” she says.
“I was very isolated before and wasn’t socialising.
“Meditation has also helped. I’ve always been very spiritual. I’m doing my own inner-work and this is definitely helping me on my healing journey.”
As Meghan sets about rebuilding her life, she’s re-igniting passions that had been dampened by the trauma she has experienced.
“I’ve always had the ambition to start my own business,” she explains.
“I’d love to be able to work with people who’ve experienced domestic violence. Maybe go into a shelter and lead some meditations.
“Being in a shelter can be very intense and heavy. I’d like to be able go in and help flip it – offer my time to help create a space for quiet meditation and healing.”
Meghan encourages anyone in a similar situation to reach out for help.
“Seek support. Ask for help. It is there for you if you ask for it. The support I’ve received has been phenomenal.
“The difference between where I am now and where I was this time last year is huge.”
And what is on the horizon for another year from now?
“I’d like to think I’m still working part-time and I’m also building my own business.”
She pauses and corrects herself. “No. Not building. I’m running it.”
“I think everything falls into place when it is the right time,” she says as she gives Maia a gentle pat.
“Maia has been there with me through everything. She’s very special.
“She’s my unofficial emotional support dog.”
It is clear there’s nothing “unofficial” about it. You can plainly see the shared bond between Meghan and her canine companion.
“She’s stuck by me. I wouldn’t have got through the shelter without her.”
Meghan’s journey highlights what is possible when young parents are provided with the right support and accessible opportunities.
Through her involvement with the Parents Pathways program, Meghan has taken a significant step toward a brighter and more secure future.
Parent Pathways: helping parents to thrive
The Parent Pathways program helps young parents to build confidence, gain skills, and move toward education or employment.
The program has supported many parents across Adelaide’s northern suburbs as well as in the Mid North, Murray and South East regions.
Parent Pathways is designed for parents and carers of young children under the age of 6 who may be facing barriers around mental health, homelessness, updating skills, finding work or accessing study options.
Anyone who feels they could benefit from additional guidance, training, or support is encouraged to reach out. Connecting with the program is simple.
Participants can get in touch by filling in an expression of interest form on our Parent Pathways page or by calling our friendly team on (08) 8259 2900.