The reduction in the JobSeeker payment earlier this year, combined with the end of JobKeeper, has seen more people slip
into crisis.
Many people are coming to us for the first time, from international students who can’t make ends meet, to mums and dads in secure jobs who suddenly find themselves out of work and struggling to pay the bills or put food on the table.
But you have made a difference for so many.
Thanks to you, so far nearly $600,000 has been raised through this year’s Winter Share Appeal.
Across Victoria and Tasmania, over 1671 people are being kept warm thanks to donations of blankets, swags and winter woollies.
An update on Sharon and Jhez
Sharon and Jhez shared their stories in our recent Winter Share Appeal.
Sharon (pictured above) moved to Australia in 2019 to marry her childhood sweetheart. But like so many, Sharon and her husband felt the strain
of the COVID-19 pandemic.
When Sharon’s marriage fell apart and she left the family home with her children, she was referred to ur team in Shepparton where she was able to get the support she needed to get back on her feet.
In fact, Sharon went on to secure a job with Uniting.
We are pleased to report that Sharon and her husband have reconciled.
“We are going to counselling to ensure we stay on track. We’re thriving now. We’re communicating well and we’re very happy. Sometimes you need some expert help and advice to get you through a challenging time,” says Sharon.
Sharon is still working at Uniting and has taken on a new role helping jobseekers upskill and find the right job for them.
“I can’t thank Uniting enough. I received support in my time of need, and I’ve been able to turn a bad situation into a positive one,” says Sharon
Jhez reached out to our team 11 years ago when she was 7 months pregnant with her first child. Her relationship had fallen apart, and her finances crumbled. Jhez connected with Uniting and received food and housing support.
For his 10th birthday in February last year, Jhez’s son Troy asked friends to donate to Uniting instead of buying gifts.
On Mother’s Day this year, Jhez turned 40. She celebrated with family and friends.
“My husband treated me to a day out with friends, including a spa treatment and a night out in the city. I had a wonderful weekend surrounded by the people I love,” says Jhez.
Find out more about our support to multicultural communities.
