Believing in tomorrow
Mary*, a mother of four who immigrated here, found herself facing a devastating reality. Serious safety issues within her family led to an immediate separation, making her a single parent almost overnight. Alone in a new country, with no support network, and four children depending on her, Mary felt completely overwhelmed.
‘I remember sitting in my car and crying,’ Mary recalls. ‘I didn’t know where to go or who to ask for help. I felt like my world had fallen apart.’ When Mary walked into a Salvation Army Centre, she was anxious and exhausted. ‘The staff didn’t judge me,’ Mary says softly. ‘They listened. They cared. For the first time, I felt like someone was on my side.’
Our team walked alongside Mary through every challenge. The social worker supported her through complex processes with immigration, Oranga Tamariki, and the courts. We helped her access therapeutic and medical appointments and introduced her to a local church that became a source of community and hope.
‘They gave me more than practical help. They gave me emotional support. They prayed with me when I felt broken. That gave me strength,’ Mary shares.
Voluntary work at a local op shop opened new doors; opportunities to meet people, practice English, and regain confidence. ‘I started to feel like myself again,’ Mary says. ‘I wasn’t just surviving – I was growing.’
Today, Mary’s transformation has been remarkable. Her English proficiency and confidence have soared. She now works two jobs, continues to tackle financial challenges with the help of our financial mentor, and has a positive outlook on her future.
‘In a recent exercise, I wrote down words that describe me now,’ Mary smiles. ‘Confident. Independent. Powerful. Determined. Protective. Resourceful. I never thought I could say those things about myself.’
Mary’s gratitude to donors is heartfelt. ‘To everyone who gives—you changed my life. You gave me hope when I had none. You didn’t just help me; you helped my children have a future. Thank you.’
She pauses, her voice full of emotion: ‘I used to wake up every day afraid. Now, I wake up believing tomorrow can be better. That’s because of you.’
* Identity has been changed to protect privacy.
