From our families
Ana’s Story
"We don’t have family here, so it’s very difficult to be a mother."
I was born in in another country so we have no regular visitors. We don’t have our mothers, fathers, aunties or uncles. We don’t have our families around so it’s very difficult to be a mother. Home-Start is priceless.
Taylor’s Story
"We are first time parents to identical triplet girls."
We are first time parents to identical triplet girls. My partner returned to work post parental leave and our extended families are interstate. I really needed someone to talk to and a new face for the babies to interact with.
Life with triplets is BUSY and this just increases as they get older. I’m not sure we could have coped without Home-Start’s help. Our regular volunteer has been nothing short of amazing with our girls. She’s wonderful! I would absolutely recommend Home-Start to other families.
June’s Story
"I was new in town, didn’t have family support close by and I had two babies 18 months apart."
My Home-Start volunteer came into my world when I felt pretty low and out of control. I was in a new town, didn’t have family support close to me and I had two babies 18 months apart.
From her first visit, I felt like we were friends. She really enjoyed my boys, constantly praising them and they enjoyed her as well. My older son had serious separation issues and to see him comfortable with our volunteer seemed like a miracle.
Each week my volunteer offered an ear and an open heart. She encouraged me and showed me places where I could get help. She understood me and helped me to see positives in my life and in my boys. She would talk a bit about her grandsons, and I felt like I was almost part of her extended family.
Every single week she attended a local playgroup with us to help with my younger boy while I spent time with my older son. She even helped to integrate my big boy into a local occasional care provider. Nothing seemed too much for her. She was more than a volunteer. She was an angel.
The Home-Start program was nothing short of a lifeline for me during that rough time. What really changed my world was the heart, the strength, the genuine care and actions of my volunteer. I love her with all my heart.
From our volunteers
Susan’s Story
"It's made me more outgoing and content."
Being a Home-Start volunteer has made me appreciate how very fortunate I am, and it’s made me more outgoing and content.
Marie’s Story
"The most wonderful part was their raised voices calling my name as I arrived."
The most wonderful part was their raised voices calling my name as I arrived, and the arms outstretched to wrap around my legs or neck as I stepped inside the door.
Ashleigh’s Story
"I am more content with my quiet life."
Home-Start volunteering isn’t wearing me out. It’s quite the opposite. My family say they notice the difference in me, which I can only put down to the fact that I smile a lot more, as I am more content with my quiet life. Especially when I compare it to the disruption in the triplets’ parents’ life! I am looking forward to my next visit. Thank you, Home-Start.