2019-Wesley-Mission-Annual-Report - Flipbook - Page 32
A matter of
Fayeith
For most of her childhood, Fayeith
moved between foster care and a
matrix of family members.
At just 16 years of age and far from her mob at
Taree on the New South Wales North Coast, Fayeith
entered a refuge and was once again in unchartered
waters. However, Fayeith was always hopeful. She
knew deep down that stable accommodation would
be part of her ongoing answer. There were other
pieces to the puzzle as well–education, employment
and skills.
While living in the refuge, Fayeith applied for
government housing but long waiting lists and other
complex challenges left her at risk of homelessness.
That’s when Wesley Mission stepped in, offering
Fayeith a place in our transitional homeless
youth program, which provides secure
accommodation and support to young people
waiting for permanent housing.
Initially too shy to leave her bedroom, Fayeith began
engaging with community activities. A proud
Indigenous woman from the Birpai tribe, she had
been denied the chance to learn about her heritage
as a child, but as her confidence grew she began to
explore her love of art and colour by taking
Aboriginal art classes.
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Music was another creative outlet that engaged her
soul and quieten her mind: an additional opportunity
to gather herself and deal with the little things in life
like organisation, remembering appointments and
being on time.
“My place was tiny, but it was comfy,” Fayeith said.
“When I first moved in I was finding it hard to
manage money, to know what to buy and what not
to buy. Now I’ve learned how to budget, and I can
do my shopping and pay the bills.”
As well as a safe place to live, Wesley Youth
Accommodation helps young people access the
support services and resources they need to move
to independent living. Wesley Mission caseworker
Jenny co-ordinated and supported Fayeith during
the transition.
“It can be scary coming into a new program as there
are so many unknowns,” Jenny said. “We
understand that fear, so we try to reassure every
client that they are in a safe and supportive
environment where they will be able to flourish.”
For Fayeith, this extra support became even more
vital after an accident left her injured and needing
surgery. Confined to her apartment and unable to
walk for several weeks, Fayeith was anxious and
depressed. Jenny ensured she received emotional
support and counselling by connecting her with a
local mental health team.
As Fayeith’s mental health stabilised and her injuries
healed, Jenny connected Fayeith with a living skills
program that taught her household management,
nutrition, budgeting and meal preparation.
Jenny believes these personalised services are what
distinguish Wesley Mission as it provides for those
most in need.
“I guess that’s the biggest thing about our program;
it is client-centred,” Jenny said. “Everyone comes
with such different backgrounds, such different
stories, behaviours, needs and wants. And it is up to
us to work out the best support system to help our
clients achieve what they want for their future. It’s
about their goals, not ours.
In late 2017, Fayeith received a permanent
placement with New South Wales Housing and
moved into a two-bedroom apartment. Her life now
is more stable, she feels confident and is taking care
of herself.
“She has come so far since I met her” Jenny said.
“She’s grown from a quiet, shy person who didn’t
like to talk much at all, to a confident young lady
who agreed to being interviewed for this story
without any hesitation.”
Fayeith has her own words of wisdom shaped by
her recent past: “Don’t stress too much. Take it day
by day. Be yourself. And if you need help, speak up.
Don’t bottle it up.”
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