Our stories

Sometimes things work out perfectly, and one good thing can lead to another.

That’s precisely what happened when mum in custody, Brooke*, started our Bringing Up Great Kids parenting course.

While quiet at first, Brooke soon came out of her shell and offered great insight during group discussions.

She enjoyed getting to know the SHINE for Kids team member who was facilitating the sessions, and at the end of the third week, felt like she could trust her enough to talk to her about concerns she had for her nine-year-old daughter, Gina*.

Brooke told our team that she was worried about how Gina was coping. The two had never been apart until now, and had had very little contact since she was incarcerated.

This lack of contact made Brooke incredibly anxious about Gina’s well-being. Gina was in the care of her grandmother, Brooke’s mother, and she was worried that her mother might be struggling to manage the responsibility of caring for a child.

She recognised that Gina needed support and school, and someone outside of the family to talk with about her mother being in custody.

Brooke chose the right person to speak with, as our team also works in the local community, and was able to help Brooke refer Gina to our Rise mentoring program.

After contacting Brooke’s grandmother about the referral, things moved quickly.

Gina’s grandmother was grateful that someone reached out and offered them help. She recognised that Gina needed support and school, and someone outside of the family to talk with about her mother being in custody.

Since starting with the program, both Brooke and Gina are much happier, and Brooke can breathe easier knowing her daughter is connected with support and with her.

Gina has had three sessions so far, and our team says she is “a bright, funny young girl who engages brilliantly in the program.”

Gina was excited to tell her mum in a phone call that she was now seeing a mentor at school, and even happier that her mum had met her mentor as well, saying, “You know my mentor! She comes to my school now!”

They now have a person they can share, and another way to stay connected until Brooke returns home.

*Names and images changed to protect program participants.