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Christmas testimonies: Carolyn

4 December 2013
Christmas testimonies: Carolyn

I went for a walk and I saw the sign – ‘The Salvation Army’ – and I went there and I cried because I felt so ashamed.

– Carolyn

Twelves years ago, Carolyn found herself walking the streets of Sydney, homeless and seven months pregnant. She was still grieving the loss of her husband, who had died in a car accident a year earlier, and her unexpected pregnancy had thrown her life into chaos.

She had no home, no money and with her family in New Zealand, very little support. She knew her life needed to change. “I thought, ‘I’ve got to give this baby a home’,” she says.

Carolyn was offered accommodation at Orana Lodge, a Salvation Army hostel for homeless women. She stayed for eight months, giving birth to her son, David, and receiving counselling and other support as she adjusted to becoming a mother while working through the pain of her past.

When she was ready to live independently, The Salvation Army helped Carolyn secure a place to live through community housing. Her connection with The Salvation Army has helped Carolyn to form some close friendships. It has also led to some profound changes in her life.

“I said to Centrelink, ‘I do not want to be one of those people who look at the paper to cross my name off the list. I’m going to get a job.”

Carolyn has completed a number of child-care courses and is now employed at a day-care centre. She is thrilled to be part of The Salvation Army Christmas advertisement.

“I met some amazing people and they are people that I’m going to keep in touch with,” she says.

Carolyn will spend Christmas celebrating at her local Salvation Army church. She says she wouldn’t be where she is now without the love and support of the Salvos.

“They are my family.”

To meet more of the cast and read their real stories, visit the Christmas website salvos.org.au/christmas/

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The Salvation Army acknowledges the Traditional Owners of country throughout Australia and recognises their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to them and their cultures; and to elders both past and present.

The Salvation Army is committed to ensuring the provision of safe and inclusive environments for children, young people and vulnerable people where they feel respected, safe, valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. The Salvation Army is a child safe organisation.