Melissa’s Story
At the end of December 2016, I escaped a 37-year-long, extremely abusive relationship. I had to relocate from a remote area in regional South Australia to Adelaide.
I left with nothing but a suitcase of belongings, and I was homeless.
I was, however, fortunate enough to be offered a room at Catherine House through their Crisis Accommodation Service. I spent six weeks in their care, and in that time, I was given time to start my healing process.
I attended programs and classes they offered me, which enabled me to retrain and re-join the workforce. This support led me to enrol at TAFE, where I completed a Certificate 3 and Certificate 4 in Community Services, which, in turn, led to me becoming employed as a Disability Support Worker.
Catherine House also helped me find suitable housing. I had the full support of a Case Worker who helped guide me through the next five years of intervention orders, property settlement and any other issues that arose along the way.
They also supported my mental and physical health, my self-esteem and my inner strength.
I have now moved on, I’ve been able to get my own house, and I’m employed in a job I love!
Without the support and care that Catherine House provided, I would not be where I am today.