The NNC referred Aisha* a refugee from Ethiopia. Aisha stayed for two months and has since been granted an apartment through Women’s Housing. It was a very touching day when Aisha was told by her caseworker that the dream of her own home in her new country had been realised. Also referred by NNC, Kelly* was one of our first and longest staying tenants. Kelly’s confidence has grown remarkably since we first met her in July and she too has also now moved into her own apartment.
Martha*, Rebecca* and Di have been known in the Cana community for a long time. Whilst Martha was with us from the start she is now in prison – maybe she will want to come back to Nagle House when she is released next month. Rebecca is still at Nagle House but Di sadly moved to palliative care and died in December.
The Red Cross has referred two women, including Lin*, who is currently with us, and thankfully her English is improving far more rapidly than our Cantonese!
The Community Restorative Centre works with women who are transitioning back into the community after being in prison. Since finding out about Nagle House they have been continually referring women to us. It is no surprise that these women face many different challenges themselves and in turn present us with challenges too.
Each one of us makes the best choices we can for our lives if someone likes us and believes in us. We are in need of women who might offer a couple of hours once a fortnight to spend time sharing a meal or some time with the women of Nagle House. If this is for you, contact Lorraine (lorraine_david@iinet.net.au).
Nagle House opening ceremony was held on November 21. The ceremony gave us the opportunity to celebrate a special place and to reflect on how much we have achieved already.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.
