Stories

ANGIE'S STORY - At risk of homelessness
At home Angie was exposed to daily domestic violence and neglect; she and her siblings were often left to fend for themselves with no food and no adult care. On one particularly frightening occasion, Angie was ‘dumped’ on a train with her siblings because her mother could no longer cope. To add to the sadness of her life, Angie hasn’t seen her father for over five years and is still emotionally distraught over his absence.  Since being refered to Windermere, Angie has received the care and support she needed along with a program of intensive trauma counselling and various therapies.  She now lives with her grandmother and is attending a new school.  Angie now has a positive future to look forward to - thanks to the help of our generous supporters.

JENNY'S STORY - Living with abuse
Jenny came to Windermere as a frightened disconnected child who would hide under chairs like a terrified creature.  She was unable to participate in Kids Club or communicate with anyone; often hiding in the 'chill out' room alone. Jenny witnessed and experienced events that no child should be exposed to.  Not only did Jenny witness her father trying to take her mother's life, she became the victim herself, with an attempt made on her own life.  Jenny's mother escaped safely with the children and was referred to Winderemere. We are helping Jenny and her mother to rebuild their lives through safe housing, trauma counselling and helping Jenny to learn to trust again.

JAY'S STORY - Living with a disability
Jay is just 12 years old. Circumstances in this young boy's life has left him without anyone other than his grandmother to care for him.  He has been impacted since birth by severe Cerebal Palsy; a disability that severly limits his physical abilities to walk and use his arms. So little things like brushing his own teeth, washing his face, or playing sport is not an option - he relies completely on others. He can not eat or taste any food by mouth and is fed through a Gastrostomy tube.  He is completely dependent on his wheelchair and hoist so that others can move or transfer him, shower him and care for all his personal needs.  The impact of disability costs.  For example a wheelchair can average $14,500 and yet the funding available is only $4000. A bathroom modification that includes a hoist and sufficient safety elements to give a person personal dignity can cost up to $24,000 - funding available is only $4000.  Disability impacts everyday life and situations such as financial strain, relationship issues, homelessness and support options. 
At Windermere 'everyone is someone in our community' and with the generous support of volunteers, donors and our community  we are able to assist hundreds of kids like Jay to have a better life.

It is a tragic reality at Windermere that we deal with thousands of children like Angie, Jenny and Jay. Their individual circumstances might be different but the characteristics are the same – heartbreaking stories of abuse and neglect, suffering, and desperate need.

With timely and targeted support, the quality of life for children and their families can be immensely improved. Please DONATE NOW to make an immediate difference!