You were there for Liz through it all

Solo parents have it tough. Add starting over after escaping domestic violence and living with a disability and you have a glimpse into Liz’s life.

Mum to two teens, Liz* is a resilient person who always tries to make the best of things, and she is grateful for the help she’s had from The Salvation Army over the span of many challenging years. Help which began even before she managed to leave her marriage.

‘My ex was a gambler. He’d spend all our money and still expect me to put dinner on the table. I got some help from The Salvation Army with food, but I had to keep it secret, or he’d go into a rage.’

Liz felt trapped and dependent on someone who was the opposite of dependable.

‘He was controlling and abusive and it’s very hard to escape that situation. You lose all sense of who you are. Eventually, I saw a window of opportunity and we left while he was on a work trip.’

The years that followed were not easy. The immediate fear dissipated but it took time to regain her self-esteem and build a life for her and her two daughters from scratch.

‘I just had to take things one step at a time,’ says Liz.

Regular food parcels helped the family find their feet and keep some semblance of normalcy. Next came advocacy around applying for a supported living payment and financial mentoring to work out a budget that she felt comfortable with. Liz already had budgeting skills but had been living in financial fear and needed support to regain control over her finances and gain confidence.

‘Sometimes I’ve been okay and sometimes I just haven’t,’ she says. ‘At times, like when I had breast cancer, for example, knowing there’s a place to turn to for help just makes you feel that bit stronger.’

Liz’s case worker agrees. ‘This is what I love about The Salvation Army,’ she says. ‘We’re there for the long haul. Liz has been through so much and I’m proud we’ve been a constant in her life.’

When it came to her daughters starting high school, the amount of money needed to get them ready was completely prohibitive, and Liz was relieved when The Salvation Army stepped in to buy uniform items, stationery and, for one of the girls, a Chromebook.

‘If I hadn’t had the help, I’d have found a way, but it would have taken food off the table, or I wouldn’t have been able to meet one of my other outgoings,’ she says.

The family was supported at Christmas time too, with food and gifts for the girls.

‘Christmas puts an extra strain on our budget. It was immensely helpful to receive help at this time. It allowed us to celebrate like other families.’

While she still has her struggles, Liz’s life is on an even keel these days and her daughters are doing well at school.

‘It’s been a long road,’ says Liz. ‘The Salvation Army has been right there with me. They’ve helped me through hell and back.’