Stories
JAN'S STORY - A long and winding road
Jan has endured more hard knocks in her lifetime than most of us could ever imagine. Abandoned by her mother at age three, and sexually abused by a family member at eight, Jan returned to live with her mum when she was 14. Three months later she was made a ward of the state after being bashed by her mum’s partner. Becoming a runaway, Jan fell pregnant at 17.
Trying to care for her new baby alone, Jan turned to drugs like speed and marijuana. After two years of misery she made her mind up to get clean (and has stayed that way for over 20 years). She then had another baby and soon fell pregnant again, this time ending up in a psychiatric unit after suffering a nervous breakdown. When her third child was born, Jan knew there was something wrong with her. She blamed herself and her mental state, and her then-partner’s violence for her daughter’s problems. GP after GP told Jan there was nothing actually wrong with her baby. Frustrated by a lack of answers, and with her partner in and out of gaol, Jan was finally referred to Windermere.
Through meetings with her Case Manager, Jan’s tragic life and the terrible ordeals she has faced have finally come to light, and her most challenging needs addressed. Her youngest daughter, now three, was non-verbal and couldn’t show affection or make eye contact. She also screamed and kicked continually. Jan’s Case Manager arranged for her referral to a paediatrician who diagnosed her with Autism Spectrum Disorder. Jan’s daughter is now in childcare four days a week and has improved her social skills dramatically, even beginning to talk. Jan uses this time off for respite and to help out at a local voluntary group. Recently, she had her first night off from ‘care’ since her daughter was born.
Previously an unlicensed driver, limiting her outings to school runs and grocery shopping only, Jan has passed her driving test with the help of Windermere – giving her new-found freedom and confidence.
Jan is also in a new relationship with a man she says is kind and supportive, and has children too. It hasn’t all been easy though. Continued violence from her previous partner, including stalking and death threats, has seen him once back to gaol. Her eldest son’s partner lost her baby when she was 26 weeks pregnant. This sent Jan into a terrible tailspin that she’s had to work hard to conquer.
Jan’s Windermere Case Manager says that Jan has gone from a ‘three’ (concerning) to a ‘ten’ (outstanding) in her time with Windermere, and has accomplished nearly all the goals she set. They are very proud of their Client saying “…it was a privilege to work with her and be able to make such an input into someone’s life. My Client is an amazing woman and mother, and pro-active in wanting the best for her family.”
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.
MICHAEL'S STORY - Living with a disability
Michael 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 Michael to have a better life.
It is a tragic reality at Windermere that we deal with thousands of children and individuals like Jan, Jenny and Michael. 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!