Good news from the front line - inspiring stories of transformation

Hearing from Mission Australia’s staff about what’s happening in their services can be incredibly inspiring.

Here are two recent breakthroughs reported from Mission Australia’s front line:

An incredible turnaround for Kate

Kate* came to Mission Australia Wagga’s Youth Connections program with complex issues including self harm and very low self esteem. After receiving Mission Australia’s help with her personal issues as well as her accommodation for the past six months, Kate has now secured a one bedroom Department of Housing unit in central Wagga.

Kate has now left Mission Australia’s care full of confidence, engaging in social activities, and enrolled in TAFE.

All the staff are extremely happy with Kate’s achievements and will stay in touch with her to make sure she keeps progressing.

Life changing progress for Madison

When Madison* came to Mission Australia’s Miller Pre-school she was experiencing mild to moderate developmental delays, autism and very severe behaviour problems.

Over the first term of her enrolment her behaviours escalated on a daily basis. She always required one-on-one adult support and occasionally required two adults to keep her peers and herself safe.

The Miller Pre-school team called a meeting, and along with an occupational therapist, set about identifying triggers in the environment and strategies that helped Madison and those that didn’t.

They spent hours researching diet indicators and other sensory processing activities. They met with Madison’s family to share the information they had acquired and worked along side them to develop a plan for her progress.

Through these co-ordinated efforts Madison started showing positive changes almost immediately. Ten weeks into the plan the change has been dramatic.

At times Madison still requires one-on-one adult support but regularly staff can move away from her and she will function independently.

Madison has begun to participate in group experiences and is even beginning to develop some friendships with other children. Without a doubt, the last few months have been life changing for Madison.

*Names have been changed to protect clients' identities.