"This year has been one of the most challenging of my life..."
In January, Rebecca's home narrowly escaped destruction from the horrific bushfires which raged across East Gippsland. A home she shared with her partner of 10 years, Jemahl and her youngest son, Angus.
By March the fires were out and it looked like life was starting to return to normal. But instead it took a turn for the worse, Jemahl suddenly became very sick and very sadly in June, he collapsed and passed away in Rebecca's arms.
"I've lost four people that I love dearly this year, including Jemahl. It's been quite hard, not being able to go to church and not being able to speak to him."
HELP THOSE WHO ARE AT BREAKING POINT
Heartbroken after losing the love of her life and struggling to make ends meet - Rebecca tried to keep everything together for her children. But it all became too much and she fell into a deep depression.
Rebecca didn't know who to turn to. She needed someone to listen and to help her through this immense grief and pain. But finding someone close to home in regional Victoria was extremely difficult, until she found CatholicCare.
"With the support, I can see a light at the end of the tunnel."
This Christmas, choose a gift from our Giving Tree and help a family doing it tough.
Delivers a food hamper to a person living alone at Christmas.
Provides an in-school counselling session for a child or adolescent.
Delivers a food hamper to a family struggling to put food on the table.
Provides a family affected by the COVID-19 lockdown with rent support.
PLEASE GIVE GENEROUSLY
The counselling calls provide Rebecca with the skill to cope with her grief and continue to be there for her children and to slowly begin to get her life back on track.
But most importantly, counselling has given Rebecca a sense of hope and motivation to move forward towards a brighter future.
"To the donors I'd say a heartfelt thank you. Without them I wouldn't have the support to move forward."
How your donations supported vulnerable families and individuals in 2019-2020:
Because of you, families and individuals across Greater Melbourne, Geelong and Gippsland will continue to have access to mental health, wellbeing and financial support now and into the future.
Children and young people supported through School Counselling to improve mental wellbeing and resilience.
Refugees and asylum seekers supported to settle well with counselling, job readiness support and upskilling.
Families and individuals supported through counselling and Emergency Relief assistance.
DONATE TODAY