Xenia

Welfare

Eleven years ago Xenia found herself on a plane from Auckland, pregnant and with absolutely no idea where her life was heading.

A woman on the plane told her about The Salvation Army, and Xenia visited her local centre as she attempted to set up a new life on her own.

The Salvation Army initially helped Xenia get settled with food parcels and emotional support. When her son was born they also assisted with baby clothes, blankets and other practical assistance. ‘They helped me out so much,’ she says. ‘I don’t know where I would have been without them.’

Two years ago Xenia found that she required help in a different way. Her new relationship had turned violent, and she needed support to get back on her feet after choosing to end the relationship.

‘In the last two years The Salvation Army has been there for me during a bad situation,’ she says. ‘They saw what happened and guided me along. And in the end, I got out of it with their help.

‘I love the saying, “Christianity with its sleeves rolled up”,’ she continues. ‘They didn’t carry me. They walked beside me—and that is a huge difference.’

After once again taking positive steps forward in her life, Xenia began volunteering at her local Family Store for an hour a couple of times a week. Two years later, Xenia is there every day.

‘I work here with these people, and it’s just like working with family,’ she says. ‘I used to volunteer here just to get out of my house, but it’s not that anymore; now it’s just to be here with my family. It’s a huge family, just an amazing family.’

Because of the assistance she received, Xenia now wants to help other women in domestic violence situations, helping them to believe in themselves and to become strong, beautiful women as a result.