The Farm in Galong, an hour outside of the ACT, is helping to support mothers affected by trauma, violence and addiction to rebuild their lives. Source: Catholic Voice.
When Grace gave birth to her youngest son last July, she was lying in a hospital bed, bruised and terrified. She had just escaped a violent relationship, and a caseworker had arrived to tell her the Department of Communities and Justice was assuming care of her newborn.
“That was it,” Grace said quietly.
“I signed the paperwork for The Farm that day. I knew I had to change everything.”
The Farm, founded by CEO Kate Cleary, is a residential rehabilitation centre dedicated to helping women rebuild their lives and reunite with their children.
Most of the women have lost custody of their children due to substance use and family violence. Many, like Grace, are survivors of extraordinary trauma.
“The Farm has given me back my life – it has been very important for every aspect of my life,” she said.
“It’s so individualised and focused here that it gives you strength and courage. It makes you stronger and able to conquer your dreams.”
Twelve months after she arrived at the peaceful Galong property, Grace is preparing to become the first resident of the Farm’s new transition house near Goulburn.
“It’s going to give me the opportunity to get back on my feet,” Grace said.
“I’ve just finished my Certificate IV in Community Services, and I’ll be able to start looking for work, build a rental history, and keep growing as a mum. It’s a huge thing.”
The transition house – a vacant convent now preparing for renovations – will offer clients a much-needed “stepping stone” back to the wider world, Ms Cleary said.
“These women come from places of real darkness,” she said.
The program at The Farm is designed to help the women rediscover their dignity and reimagine their future.
“We’re trying to put people back together again,” Ms Cleary said.
FULL STORY
New transition home an important “stepping stone” for mothers in recovery (By Veronika Cox, Catholic Voice)
