Always able to support herself, Jhez’s world turned upside down in 2009.
She was 7 months pregnant with her first child, but her financial stability started slipping away.
Her relationship fell apart. Her finances crumbled. Her security began to unravel.
“Before I knew it, I was struggling to get by,” says Jhez.
Jhez connected with Uniting, discovering the practical support she needed, like food and housing, to get back on her feet.
Across Victoria and Tasmania, more and more people are facing desperate times like Jhez.
Feeling positive and prepared, Jhez started a new chapter with her baby boy, Troy.
“I made a promise to myself that I would never be in that position again.”
Little did she know, this was only the beginning of her story.
Ten years later, Jhez’s son reached out to Uniting.
But this time, it wasn’t to get help – it was to give back.
For his 10th birthday in February last year, Troy asked friends to donate to Uniting instead of buying gifts. He held a party at Uniting, delivering food and toiletries donated by his young friends.
“I’m so proud of him. He understands what I went through while I was pregnant and knows the importance of helping people.”
For many of us, 2020 presented hurdles. For Jhez and Troy, it held heartbreak. Now happily married, Jhez suffered a miscarriage during Victoria’s second COVID-19 lockdown.
“We were so excited when we found out I was pregnant… to have that joy taken away broke my heart.”
In the face of tragedy, Jhez remained committed to caring for others. She regularly volunteers with Uniting and, like Troy, has chosen to celebrate her 40th birthday with us.
“I’d like to follow in Troy’s footsteps and celebrate by giving back.
“It’s a meaningful way to mark the occasion and acknowledge how far I’ve come… all thanks to Uniting.”
With your support, we can stand with people through the toughest months of the year.
Your donation will transform lives across Victoria and Tasmania – this season and into the future.
Thank you for making new beginnings possible.
