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Written by Kiara
When I entered the SEPT program with Brave, the situation I was in was unsafe, and unstable and had me feeling at a loss. I was 23 years old, I had an 8-year-old and another on the way, I was scared and felt like I had lost hope.
I believe my Brave mentors changed my life. I was experiencing homelessness and depression, I had no car and no belief that I was going to be able to achieve a nice life for my kids, let alone achieve any goals for myself.
My Brave mentors went above and beyond, they sourced information for housing programs and supported me in contacting them, right through until I had stable housing. They helped me source clothes for myself and my children and linked me with services that could help with furniture. They helped me get back on my feet by linking me with support programs to help my mental health and parenting programs to help me be the best mum I can be. They empowered me constantly, believed in me, and supported me. They were so patient with me in my journey of self-discovery.
They helped me get to a stable enough place in life to figure out what goals I had for my life. I have had an interest in Community Services since I was 13 years old. I have attempted to do my Community Services Cert III, four times throughout my life, each time being unsuccessful, with not enough support or simply not believing I can do it. They allowed me to see that I could be and do anything, even as a young parent. They got me into my dream course, Community Services Cert III, helped me with the means to study at home, and have supported, motivated, and checked in with me since the start.
I now have stable, permanent accommodation for my children, I have a car and everything we need to live, that sounds like a necessity for some, but that’s something I am so proud to have. I have sound mental health with regular ongoing support. I am so proud to say I am a week away from completing the first semester of my course and organizing work placement.
I have so much belief in myself, I know that I can do anything, and I know that I am providing an amazing life for my children. I am going to raise strong independent girls, and I will role model that for the rest of their lives. Every aspect of my life from when I started with Brave, has changed for the better.
After completing my Community Services Cert III, I hope to do my Community Services Cert IV, and the amazing thing is, I know I can do it.