Jessica’s Journey: From Struggle to Confidence

Jessica and her brother Greg entered Home from Home 10 years ago. They are both special needs and joined our foster home in the community of Westlake. Jessica attended a main stream primary school but it was not easy for her. Thereafter she struggled to complete high school at a private college and left in Grade 9 at the age of 17. Initially she was interested in training to become a hairdresser and then realised that she is shy around people. She was accepted at Home of Hope and that is when her independence and confidence grew.

Home of Hope takes care and educates children with special needs. The organisation helps youngsters to become productive and contributing adults in communities. They do this through a working care farm and through skills development opportunities.

Jessica was excited to earn a stipend and learnt the importance of saving money from her foster mother. She started working at the Home of Hope charity shop and is now studying childcare and is employed at the children’s home. Jessica lives on the farm and enjoys travelling back to Westlake to see her brother and take him out for a milkshake. She is learning how to interact with people and growing in confidence.

“Never give up on a child. Jessica is finding her groove after many challenging years. She can be so proud of what she has achieved in the last two years!” says Suzie Sampson, senior social worker at Home from Home.

Photo by Artem Kovalev on Unsplash