Leaps and bounds
For the past few years, St John’s Care has had the privilege of supporting a young family, U, E, their daughter, and two young sons, since their move to Australia. I first met them when they came to the Centre seeking help after receiving an urgent eviction notice. They were facing a rent increase they simply couldn’t afford, and with no family or safety net in Australia, they were at risk of becoming homeless.
U and E had come to Australia on student visas, hoping to build a better future for their children through education and opportunity. They were aware of the sacrifices it would require, but nothing could have fully prepared them for the intense financial and emotional strain of starting over in a new country, especially during a global pandemic and with limited access to social support systems.
Shortly after their arrival, their daughter K began experiencing frequent seizures. The stress on the family grew significantly as they navigated the health system, paying out of pocket for specialist appointments, medications, and scans. During this time, St John’s Care supported the family through weekly food hampers, financial contributions toward pharmacy costs, and advocacy to help them connect with bulk-billed health services.
Those early months were filled with worry and exhaustion.
Despite the challenges, U and E remained deeply committed to creating a safe and nurturing environment for their children. With support from SJC, they secured transitional housing and eventually moved into a more stable rental property. We helped them furnish their new home with donated goods including beds, kitchenware, and school supplies, and connected them with a local charity that provided subsidised medical equipment for K.
Over time, K’s condition became more manageable with the right treatment, and her health improved dramatically. I’ll never forget the day she visited the Centre with her brothers, proudly handing me a drawing she had made at school. It was a simple gesture, but it represented how far the family had come from crisis to a newfound sense of stability.
As U and E prepare to complete their studies later this year, their focus has turned to securing permanent residency so they can remain in Australia long-term. They’ve joined a local church, enrolled the children in weekend activities, and have become active members of the community.
Their story is one of extraordinary resilience, and St John’s Care is proud to have played a part in helping them rebuild their lives. Whatever comes next, we’ll continue to walk alongside them on the road ahead.
Kind regards,
Robbie Speldewinde
Operations Manager
