Earlier this year, we shared Jenny’s* story from hurt to healing after experiencing family violence.
Today, we are filled with immense hope and gratitude as we update you on Jenny’s remarkable progress. Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, like you, Jenny's journey has taken a transformative turn. Because of their generous gifts, our Children Ahead team were able to provide the crucial support and therapeutic care she needed to reclaim her childhood.
By just four years of age, violence had become a part of daily life for Jenny. Every week, she would witness her father’s horrific abuse against her mother. Then, when her mum became pregnant, Jenny became the target of her father’s rage—despite her mum’s best efforts to protect her.
Child Protection Services intervened, removing Jenny from her home and placing her in emergency foster care. Although her new home was safer, Jenny missed her mum and faced a long and challenging journey to heal from the severe trauma she had endured.
Thankfully, through the Children Ahead program, Jenny was able to get the long-term, individualised support she needed to come to terms with her experiences and heal.
An update on Jenny’s journey of healing
We’re so thrilled to share that – because of our caring and compassionate supporters - Jenny is thriving. She’s loving kindy, where she’s learning, interacting happily with other children and making friends.
Jenny's experience with her Children Ahead practitioner was central to her healing, working with her for a whole year to provide the essential therapeutic support she needed. This long-term, one-one-one support, made possible by our wonderful supporters, has been instrumental in Jenny’s recovery and growth.
Jenny is now thriving in the classroom and beyond
She is now better able to regulate her emotions, a development that has positively impacted on her daily life at both school and home. Gone are the days when Jenny would sit alone, staring into space or having big reactions to her teacher or fellow students.
At school, Jenny’s ability to participate and concentrate has improved significantly, and she no longer isolates herself. With a better understanding of her needs, her teachers have noticed her remarkable engagement and improvement.
“Jenny is so much more engaged in classroom activities, focuses for longer periods, and I've witnessed some heartwarming interactions with her peers,” said her teacher, Siobhan*.
A stronger bond with mum
Thanks to the support of her Children Ahead case worker, Jenny’s relationship with her mum has healed and blossomed. Her case worker encouraged her mum to seek her own therapeutic support, including a parenting course and working with a psychologist to focus on her mental health needs.
With this wrap-around support and guidance, Jenny’s mum now feels more empowered and has gained the tools to effectively support Jenny’s healing journey.
Jenny’s mum also focused on creating a nurturing environment, which allowed them to reconnect deeply. This stability has been crucial in providing Jenny with a loving, secure home where she feels safe and loved.
Building resilience and secure connections with others
Jenny’s case worker spoke with her about what hobbies and extracurricular activities she was interested in to help build Jenny’s confidence and social skills. Jenny expressed that she had always wanted to do music and dancing classes but had never been able to.
We’re thrilled to share, thanks to the help of her case worker, that Jenny is now enrolled in music and dance classes and absolutely loves them! These fun activities have helped Jenny grow and develop social connections, making friends with classmates and peers from her dance classes.
Jenny’s mum is often overcome with emotion at seeing the progress her daughter has made.
“Jenny has started going on playdates and even having friends over at home! It warms my heart to see her growing confidence and finally being able to trust others.”
Jenny’s journey from hurt to healing would not have been possible without the kindness and generosity of our supporters. Because of their generosity, our Children Ahead team could provide the crucial support and therapeutic care she needed to work through her trauma and reclaim her childhood.
Learn more about how Children Ahead help children and young people to heal, recover and thrive.
*This story is a true account, but the names have been changed to protect Jenny and her family’s privacy.
