Our IMPACT Real Women, Real Lives, Real Stories
Revarah’s* Story
I’ve now found purpose in my life at 46 years of age. I have now set myself a goal to become a social worker, and will go to University to get qualified. I would like to help young girls who are experiencing homelessness. I’ve found my purpose and want to give back and help those who have also experienced what I have in life. Lately I have been engaging more in the Catherine House Women’s Centre. It’s taken me a lot of time to find my feet, to tie up loose ends and work on my personal life, so I have more time to explore the different classes and courses on offer. I’ve been to a few classes like beading and stretching, and I found them really relaxing. I also plan to join the music group because I love singing and I’ve never been able to take singing lessons because I could never afford them. The Women’s Centre is the hub of Catherine House. It is crucial to Catherine House as it connects you with the community. I have felt socially isolated in life, so being a part of the Catherine House community, in a supportive environment where women care, is important to me. I know Catherine House care about me because of the product orders I receive each month. When I first arrived at Catherine House, and realised I could place orders for products like toiletries I couldn’t usually afford, I cried at the kindness that was coming from the general community. Having the safety and stability of housing at Catherine House has also helped me overcome a ten year nicotine addiction. I have also recently bought a car which is suited to my needs and gives me more independence. I find that the more I immerse myself in the Recovery Program and Women’s Centre, the more accepting I feel of myself. It’s helping me build my self-worth as I have come from a background of trauma. The fact that I can always connect back with Catherine House, and I can always drop into the Women’s Centre, makes a big difference. I can’t wait to keep working on my goals and becoming a social worker to help others, like Catherine House has and still continues to help me."
I first admitted I was homeless to my Gp. I didn’t know what to do. She put me in touch with the Medical Centre’s social worker, and she rang Catherine House on my behalf. Just a few weeks later, I was placed within a Catherine House cottage. My own home, my own garden. It was amazing to have a roof over my head, and I even had my own small backyard. My mother and I, before she passed, used to garden together and that was our bonding time. To have the opportunity to do some gardening at Catherine House was so special and part of my recovery. I first heard about the Catherine House “Live Your Best Life and Plan for Your Future ” course through a friend who had done it, and was really enjoying it. When my case worker suggested it, I signed up. When I walked into the class, the energy was really exciting and vibrant. Sharon (the Education & Employment Officer) just made us feel really welcome and cared for. She told us that we have a voice, and this is a safe space to learn - together. Sharon’s class is a lot more than just finding a job and a clear pathway for the future. It's about tapping into who you are and what you can achieve. I also learned how to stand up for myself and do what’s best for me, even if it means saying no to others. I had left school early, and had never really had a clear plan for my future. I never found myself or had any direction. Sharon and my classmates helped me through that and led me to truly find myself.
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