“I would either have been in jail or dead if it had not been for Stepping Stone House.”
Patrick is a resident at Stepping Stone House. Here he shares his story and his experience of living away from home.
Like most of our young people, Megan had experienced a very rough start to life. She was a victim of domestic violence and was unable to live with family.
Megan was referred from another charity. She was scared, unemployed, had very low self esteem and was completely uncertain of what the future held for her.
In the 18 months that she spent with SSH, Megan achieved amazing things. She:
We are incredibly proud of Megan who graduated and moved into private rental property with a family member
*Name changed to protect her identity
Here is my testimonial. You know I mean every word of it.
I have been associated with Stepping Stone House (SSH) for about two years. SSH has helped me to co-parent my daughter at a time when her living at home was impossible for both of us for many reasons. At SSH my daughter has learned to accept boundaries, respect others and take responsibility for her actions.
I have always been grateful for SSH’s intervention because I knew my daughter was always safe and supported by staff who are both firm and caring. My daughter has learned to be responsible for her words and actions in an atmosphere of support and sensitivity.
The caseworkers are not just doing a job: they actually care about the adolescents in their charge. On many occasions, the manager and the caseworkers have gone beyond the call of duty when dealing with my daughter and I. They have always encouraged my daughter to make sound decisions by discussing with her all the possible consequences of various behaviours. I fully appreciated their input and I always felt heard, valued and accepted unconditionally and non-judgementally.
Furthermore, the manager and workers have patiently taught my daughter to be respectful towards others, fulfil her duties in a household situation and attend school and TAFE regularly. Consequently, she gained her School Certificate and is currently completing a Certificate 3 office administration course at TAFE
Thanks to the efforts of the manager and workers at SSH, the relationship between my daughter and I has improved immensely. I have been to Christmas parties which left me in awe of the manager and the workers who so naturally and sincerely made these occasions so special for all of us. The young people were showered with attention and gifts.
The manager and staff have a true affinity with the young people because they understand them and always have their best interests at heart. The team are all intelligent and savvy and have no qualms in arbitrating judiciously and non-judgementally over the most difficult situations with the goal of achieving the most favourable resolutions for the young people.
Many volunteer workers add to the positive ambience of SSH. I can’t commend them enough. They are inspirational people who remind me how much we could all do for others less fortunate than ourselves for circumstance beyond their or our control.
From a mum who will always be grateful to SSH.