This is the story of a strong and resilient young mother. This mother fled her homeland, moving across the world to keep her child safe and give him a better life. When she reached the limits of how far her love could carry them, fortunately, she was put in touch with Lutheran Care. She received life-changing help; help that was made possible thanks to incredible supporters like you.
Mariam* fled to Australia to escape horrific family violence which had resulted in the shocking death of her sister. With their own lives under threat, it was fear and hope that led them to pursue a new life, leaving everything and everyone they had ever known behind.
After this ordeal, imagine the shock of landing in a new country; a new culture, with nothing but a few small bags. Still, Mariam counted her blessings every day for the opportunity to settle in South Australia. Finding out they were eligible for Community Housing and seeing her son start to smile again made up for the isolation they felt; disconnected from family, and struggling to make local connections and engage with services in a new language.
But, buoyed by love and the knowledge she’d done the right thing to keep her boy safe, she was looking forward to watching him thrive at school. She began looking for work so she could become an active, contributing, citizen.
Very quickly her new world was ripped apart. The perpetrator of the violence had found them. He was lodging court action for custody of her child.
Distraught, fearful and with no idea how the courts system worked in this new land, Mariam was referred to Lutheran Care.
Her story, bravery and selflessness deeply moved our team. She shared that she was going without food so her son could eat. Understandably, her mental health was in tethers. She had no idea how to get a lawyer and no means to pay them.
Firstly, we opened our Emergency Relief food pantry to the family so they would not go hungry. We supported Mariam with much-needed counselling to start to process the trauma she’d experienced. Our financial counsellors worked with her to share the skills she needed to stretch her limited budget further. We also supported them through our Christmas Hamper program.
Through our Community Connections program, we introduced Mariam to Legal Aid, and other integral supports including the Multicultural Communities Council of SA, a local employment network, and a nearby Community Centre. We became part of her team.
We shared Mariam’s elation when she called from the courthouse; “We won!”
Mariam and her son are now living in safety, embracing their new lives in Australia. Her parents have now joined them, so her son has additional support from his grandparents.
Mariam wanted to share these words of thanks with you. “I am not lost anymore,” she said.
“I can access these services to establish myself and get on my feet again to provide better for my family.
“I feel home and alive at my new place after connecting with [Lutheran Care]. The pure light support I was provided, in the time of darkness, is above and beyond.
“My sky big.”
Winter is a time of increased need for our services. Please give generously, if you can, so no one is alone, cold, hungry or in despair at this challenging time of year.
*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.