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.
Hope’s Story
"My volunteer helped me connect with my babies."
I watched my volunteer interact with my boys. She would sit with them on the rug, playing games and singing songs, and they really loved it. It just hadn’t occurred to me that I could enjoy my children. Instead, I felt angry, resentful, tired and I felt like they had ruined my life.
My volunteer helped me connect with my babies. She modelled for me how to play with and enjoy my children and it happened in my own home, using my own resources. And now I enjoy playing with my boys. I like to be with them, and I enjoy their company.
Eve’s Story
"I was in a difficult relationship and feeling incredibly isolated."
I was six months pregnant with my fourth baby in five years. I was in a difficult relationship and feeling incredibly isolated. I read an article in the local newspaper about a service that supports families with children 0-5 years, and I decided to call the number. Soon I was paired with a Home-Start volunteer called Colleen. Colleen quickly became a part of my family, so much so that my children affectionately called her Nanny C. We shared many things and her input in my life, and my children’s lives is something we will cherish forever.
From our volunteers
Diane’s Story
"This is the most rewarding thing I've ever done!"
I feel so much happier! I thought that I would be helping a family, but they are helping me. The joy that you get is amazing. This is the most rewarding thing I’ve ever done!
Carrie’s Story
"Knowing that you are making a difference in a family's life is priceless."
Volunteering with Home-Start has been the most rewarding experience. Knowing that you are making a difference in a family’s life is priceless. To witness first-hand the changes that happen from the first visit to your next and months beyond is phenomenal. Strangers become like family. Watching the children grow and blossom has been the absolute highlight of this amazing journey.
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.
