From Crisis to Compassion: M’s Story

As some of you know, I’ve been part of the SJC team for seven years now. In that time, I’ve met thousands of people who have walked through our doors for one reason or another. Often, we don’t get to hear what happens after someone leaves our care. That’s why it’s always special when someone returns to share their journey.

Six years ago, I met a woman we’ll call M. She came into our centre one afternoon asking for food. As we began talking, it quickly became clear that M was facing a much deeper crisis. She was trapped in a violent relationship, trying to care for her three children while living in constant fear.

That day changed everything.

With the support of our dedicated volunteers—and in partnership with OneLink and the Domestic Violence Crisis Service—we helped M escape her situation and find safe accommodation. It wasn’t an easy road, but she never gave up. M worked hard to rebuild her life and, most importantly, to create a safer future for her children.

This week, M came back to visit us. But this time, she didn’t come for help—she came to donate.

“I remember how you all treated me, Jason—with dignity, when I had nothing. I’ve never forgotten that,” she said as she made her donation.

M is now safe, employed, and thriving. Her eldest child has just become the first in their family to start university—a milestone that once felt out of reach.

Your support helped make that possible. You didn’t just help M survive—you helped her find stability, hope, and a future. And now, she’s giving that same hope to others.

Thank you for being part of stories like M’s. I wish you could see the joy and pride on her face now.


Thank you,

Jason Haines
Managing Director