The Survivors Podcast
The Survivors Podcast “Judy” Ep 1
The Survivors Podcast “Isabelle” Ep 2
The Survivors Podcast “Belle” Ep 3
The Jireh House ladies supported me through this every step of the way
When my son and I came to Jireh House it was very daunting, and I didn’t know what to expect as I had never been in a shelter before.
I was at the stage in my life where I needed to leave behind my old ways and start afresh. To do this I had to jump through numerous hoops and I’m currently still doing so, but I cannot put into words how much the Jireh staff supported me through this every step of the way, and when I was feeling I couldn’t do it they told me I could. The great thing was to keep my mind occupied and busy and the group sessions were so helpful. On Tuesday morning there was a morning tea which was good, as we just get together and chatted about nothing in particular, but if you needed to talk, someone was there to listen, not to mention yummy cake and coffee.
Then on Wednesday morning there was a parenting group called ‘Circle of Security’, which, because my son, who is a bit older now, I didn’t think I could gain anything from. But I have learned so much about how to connect with my child and deal with their emotions with them. The lady that facilitated the group was absolutely amazing and so lovely.
On Friday you can do craft, run by an amazing lady. I have made a range of things: a Christmas Stocking for my son, a heat pack, oven mitts etc. I have started to get frustrated at times, but then I am shown or helped through it.
Jireh House has been life changing for me and the support they have all given me through the hard times has been amazing. And as tough as it is not having stable accommodation, the ladies at Jireh make you feel more than comfortable, safe and worthy.
This is our why…
“For me, outreach with Jireh gives me a feeling of support, and inclusiveness. It allows me to feel less alone in my circumstances. It allows me to feel a part of a community and to experience a social aspect in my life. Without the amazing support that I receive from Jireh I would not be here. The level of care, compassion and consistency that is shown to me through outreach has allowed me to participate in activities I wouldn’t usually try, and the therapeutic aspect of craft has been very healing for me. Absolutely without a doubt restores my faith in life and I’m very thankful.”
“When I was offered a place at Jireh, my expectations weren’t very high. I thought (even though I was told it was a unit) that I would be sharing a room with several others and that I would have to make my own appointments and follow through on my own. I felt so scared and numb-it felt like it would be easier to just turn around and go back to what I had left. But I was given a unit with my own tv, microwave, bathroom and fridge. My own safe little place where I could enter and lock the door to be on my own- to be able to rest in the quiet or to be able to think what to do next. The best part of entering Jireh was that ALL the wonderful workers listened to you-to what you had to say. They helped me through the hardest decisions of my life. They helped make phone calls and appointments and drove me to some or just sat with me while I sobbed my heart out. Nothing seemed too hard for any of the workers. They even made sure I ate a meal.
Thank you.”
