Rachel's Story

Jun 20, 2019

Rachel is a young person who Whitelion first interacted with on the Chatterbox bus. When Rachel first came to us, she was struggling immensely with her mental health and the trauma of being abused since she was a little girl. She told us:

“I have always loved school and wanted to do well, but it’s hard to do homework when you’re too afraid to go home or be confident in yourself when you’ve been told your whole life that you’re nothing. I felt hopeless and believed my future would not get any better. And then one night, when I as living on the streets, I heard that Whitelion’s Chatterbox bus was coming around giving out food and blankets. I decided to check it out.”

We are pleased to tell you that after Rachel approached us that night, we were able to move her into our local housing program. This move meant that she could stay in school and remain connected to her teachers and friends.

“My teachers have commented on my transformation, both academically and personally. I’m seeing a counsellor, I’m doing really well at school, and I feel university is actually a possibility for me. I can’t believe it. I’m so incredibly grateful for the opportunity to start a new life for myself but still stay close to my friends and community. Even though I can’t go home, being able to be around people who I know care about me has made all the difference.”

To support young people on the streets like Rachel please donate here: https://donate.whitelion.asn.au/donations

* Name has been changed to protect identity.