From receiving support to giving support transcript

Mindy: I turned up at the Neighbourhood Centre one day after having a baby born 13 weeks early. I struggled with the bills, in and out of hospital for two and a half months, and I was at the end wits of “I need help.” [pause] I received much needed services through the centre.

Fran: Over the years, Mindy has taken part in some of our parenting programs, she’s done healthy cooking, which was showing her how to cook on a budget by cooking healthy meals for the kids. Mindy’s taken part in weekly playgroup sessions, before the kids went to school. They come along to holiday program activities that we run to special events like NAIDOC. [pause] It’s absolutely just beautiful to watch her growing.

Mindy: Now I can honestly stand here and be proud and say I volunteer with these beautiful people, [pause] and it’s the most happiest thing that’s happened for my family and I. [pause] We feel our lives are on track now.

Donnah: She’s a very valued volunteer. We enjoy having her and seeing her beautiful face a lot around the centre and within the community as well.

Fran: Mindy now, she doesn’t need us on a daily basis. She’s confident she knows her own worth and it’s just beautiful. Her and the kids are absolutely thriving.

Mindy: I now tell my friends about all the services through the centre. We feel safe, comfortable, it’s actually a happy environment, [pause] and it’s wonderful to see them shine like I have now.

Without these two beautiful ladies, and the service they provide, I wouldn’t be the person I am today.