Case Studies

FAMILY & CHILDREN PATHWAY

Wattle House

When Tina and her son, Simon, came to Mission Australia’s Wattle House in Perth’s south-eastern suburbs, they had nowhere to live.  Tina’s relationship had ended and her mum was unable to cope with haven them stay with her. 

At Wattle House, Tina received help from Lisa, a Mission Australia Counsellor, who provided her with immediate support for accessing accommodation and managing her finances. 

Over the next 12 months, when times got tough for Tina and Simon, Lisa was always there to provide help with financial advice, emotional support and encouragement, and to keep the family on track.

Gradually Tina’s confidence improved, and soon, with Lisa’s help, she enrolled in TAFE  to study community services and complete her secondary education.  Tina now plans to finish school, get a job and start saving to buy a home for herself and Simon.

‘I just want my own place to settle in so we can finally stay somewhere forever.  Because I’ve never been anywhere forever, that’s all I really want.’ Tina says.

HOMELESS PATHWAY

Missionbeat

Christopher* was a long-term client living on the city streets for many years. He used to access Mission Australia services on a regular basis to assist with crisis accommodation, meals and referrals. For two years, Missionbeat offered assistance and care. Initially he refused to engage with staff at  Missionbeat, however, staff persisted and gradually gained his trust. In time, Christopher realised that Missionbeat wanted to assist him to gain control of his life and move away from the streets.

Missionbeat staff found stable accommodation for him at a Mission Australia service and attended to his physical and mental health needs; Christopher started to feel a sense of belonging. The change in his demeanour during this period was noticeable and he became more comfortable interacting with others, developed daily living skills and became more self reliant.

With the help of Missionbeat and Mission Australia, Christopher is now living in long-term supported housing and is receiving the support he needs to lead a fulfilling life off the streets.

*not his real name.

Lou’s Place

Jess arrived at Lou’s Place feeling lonely, depressed and anxious about her personal circumstances. She had recently moved into the area and was on the verge of homelessness, only just managing to rent a tiny bed-sit with practically no furniture. She was also unemployed. Although she was trained as a primary school teacher, she had not taught for some time because of family crises.

Jess quickly became involved in Lou’s Place activities. Over a period of months, she worked with Lou’s staff to get some furniture and appliances for her bed-sit, she accessed the legal department to clear up some old issues and she started to redevelop her skills and resume through computer class.

Jess’s appearance and confidence began to improve and she regained employment on a casual basis as a primary school teacher. Jess continues to occasionally access Lou’s services but she is now becoming self-reliant and developing her own network of friends. She is even working toward her desired goal to study law and is preparing applications and sitting for university entrance exams.

YOUTH PATHWAY

Reynella Youth Enterprise

Erin, 16, came to Mission Australia’s Reynella Youth Enterprise centre in Adelaide’s southern suburbs after getting into trouble at school.  Regularly absent from her classes, Erin would get angry and act negatively towards her friends and family because she didn’t know how to appropriately deal with her feelings. 

Disengaged from her family, Erin became homeless.

Erin wanted to leave school and get an apprenticeship as a chef but didn’t know where to start, with Mission Australia’s help, Erin enrolled at TAFE, and after completing the relevant courses was soon employed as an apprentice chef.

Mission Australia also helped Erin move into supported accommodation and enrol in a conflict-resolution group – both of which have been a contributing factor in her improved relationship with her family.

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