Imagine waking up in hospital having lost two months of your life. Having lost your ability to walk, talk, and care for your kids. That’s what happened to our client, Cathy*.
The single parent of two was like any “everyday person”, struggling to balance caring for young children with keeping a roof over their heads. When their rental was sold, the family became homeless, moving into emergency motel accommodation. After a sudden decline in health, Cathy woke up in hospital from a two-month coma. Pneumonia had escalated to organ failure, and a lack of oxygen caused a permanent brain injury. Narrowly surviving, Cathy had to learn to do everything again. Her children were placed in care.
On leaving hospital, Cathy returned to homelessness. When the children were returned it was a joyful reunion, but life remained challenging. Learning to manage her disability, whilst dealing with her daughter’s challenging behaviours relating to undiagnosed ADHD and autism, was overwhelming. Cathy’s mental health declined. She and her children stopped leaving home; withdrawing entirely from the community. Cathy began to think the kids would be better off without her.
Local mental health professionals weren’t accepting her referrals and charities said she wasn’t eligible for help. After pleading with her GP, she was finally connected with Lutheran Care.
"I was begging for help and I kept getting turned away. The only service that stepped up to help was Lutheran Care"
A Lutheran Care social worker began visiting Cathy through the Home Visiting Program, which supports parents having difficulties caring for children or experiencing isolation. It is run through our Family Zone parenting hub in Ingle Farm. The hub relies heavily on donations from churches and the public, and volunteer support, to run.
Slowly, our worker earned her trust, helping her re- enrol the children in kindy and school, maintain a clean and safe home environment and work to improve her mental and physical health. Lutheran Care’s Emergency Relief food pantry helped put food on the table, and other programs such as Financial Counselling offered tools to improve the family’s situation longer-term.
Sadly, Cathy’s eldest continued to struggle in the new school environment, receiving amost daily suspensions. Lutheran Care helped secure her a place at a school offering better supports for children with complex needs. She now attends the new school every day and has not been suspended once.
Cathy credits Lutheran Care with helping her enjoy life again. They have reconnected with the community through Family Zone’s Neurodiversity Support Group and Cooking from the Heart class, both run without funding to service growing needs in the community. Cathy loves making the other participants laugh with her stiletto-sharp sense of humour, which the brain injury has not affected.
Cathy has been accepted into an intensive rehabilitation program, and is going to a gym. She would love to study again, and rejoin the workforce. As we lead into Christmas 2023, for the first time in a long time there’s a feeling of hope for this little family.
This Christmas, Lutheran Care will assist families such as Cathy’s with food and gifts to bring some joy and lighten the load. Your gift will also fund and expand important programs to help more vulnerable families have a happier new year ahead.
*Names and images have been de-identified to protect clients’ privacy.
Lutheran Care
How to Donate
We provide a variety of donation options that may be relevant to you. If you have any queries, please contact our office on (08) 8269 9333.
Tax Deductibility
Tax Deductibility Every donation received is used to fund Lutheran Care services in SA and NT. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. If you opt in for regular giving, you will receive one tax deductible receipt at the end of the financial year.
Donate Online
Fill in a brief form with your details when you donate online. We accept Visa and MasterCard. You can pledge your donation to any of our appeals, or simply select 'where it's needed most'.
Bank Transfer
BSB: 325185
Account: 03815186
Acc Name: Lutheran Care
Regular Payments
Using the Direct Debit Form (above), you can elect to donate on a regular basis; monthly, quarterly, half-yearly or annually. We encourage you to pay annually as it helps to reduce our administration costs, ensuring even more funds reach those in desperate need.
Food Donations
Fresh produce, tinned goods and hygiene items can be donated directly to our Emergency Relief service located at 309-311 Prospect Rd, Blair Athol SA 5084.
A full list of food and other items currently needed can be found here.
Leave a Bequest
Many of our supporters choose to Leave a Bequest to Lutheran Care. It is a lasting gift that ensures the ongoing achievement of our shared vision.
Donate Your Birthday
Planning for your next birthday celebration? Ask for donations instead of gifts! Your friends and family can help to support families in need across SA and the NT...all because you've turned another year older. Simply let your friends know where to donate, or we can send you donation envelopes for your guests to fill out and send back to us. Contact us on (08) 8269 9333 or enquiries@lutherancare.org.au
In Memoriam Donations
We are so sorry for your loss. A donation to Lutheran Care in memory of your loved one is a special way to celebrate their life and allows their memory to live on through the children and families who visit us for support. For more information, please visit Honour a Loved One.
Cheque
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Lutheran Care
Changing Your Payment Option
You can change your method of payment anytime. Please phone us on (08) 8269 9333 during office hours to discuss your preferences.
Direct Debit
Fill, sign and return this Direct Debit Form to Lutheran Care.