Believing Change Was Possible: Sarah’s Story

Dear Friend,

If you’re reading this, it probably means you’ve just arrived at the Wilcannia Safe House. I remember being where you are now. I felt unsure, overwhelmed, and I didn’t really know what the next step would look like.
My name is Sarah.*

When I was first referred to Human and Co, and the safe house, it was through a hospital social worker. I was pregnant at the time and things in my life felt very unstable. I was dealing with complications with my pregnancy and spending time moving between temporary accommodation and hospital stays. I did not really have a safe, steady place to land.

At the same time, I was trying to deal with a lot in my life. I had three young children who were being cared for by family, and the Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) were involved. I was also struggling with alcohol and trying to cope with everything that had happened to me. Some days felt impossible. But the team at Human & Co did not see me as my problems. They saw me as a person who needed support.

From the beginning, they stood beside me. When things were uncertain and I did not know where I would stay next, they worked closely with housing to make sure my temporary accommodation could continue when I needed it most. When there were times I had to stay with friends because I had nowhere else to go, they helped me make safety plans so I could stay as safe as possible.

They also spoke up for me when I could not always speak for myself. The Wilcannia Safe House team advocated with housing services and with child protection so people could understand my situation properly. They helped others see the real story of what I was going through and how hard I was trying to change things.

Slowly, things began to shift. With their support, I was able to secure a private rental. I still remember the day I got the keys. It felt like the first real step toward rebuilding my life. Human & Co helped me set the house up using financial assistance support so it could become a real home, not just an empty place. When DCJ inspected the house, it was approved as safe and suitable for my children.
That moment meant everything to me.

During this time, I also worked hard on myself. With the right support around me, I reduced my alcohol use and eventually stopped completely. It was not always easy, but having people who believed in me made a huge difference.
Today, my life looks very different to how it did back then. I am stronger, more stable, and rebuilding my relationship with my children. When I look back, I truly believe the support from Human & Co was the backbone of my success. They helped me believe that change was possible, even when life felt at its hardest.

So if you are feeling unsure right now, I just want you to know this. You are not alone here. The people around you want to help. They will listen without judging, stand beside you, and help you take the next steps, one at a time. Your journey might feel heavy right now, but things can change.

I am proof of that. Take care of yourself, and be gentle with your heart.

With understanding,