Salvation Army staff talk about the variety of support and services that the Red Shield Appeal helps to fund in the Illawarra. Photo: Salvation Army.
The only time Michelle’s youngest son Brian had lived away from home was for a five-day school camp.
But when he became addicted to alcohol as a young man, Michelle knew he needed more than her love and care if he were to survive.
Twenty years ago, Michelle reached for the phone book to find support for Brian, who also has a genetic disability, and found the Salvation Army.
An emotional Michelle told her family’s story at the Illawarra launch of the Salvo’s Red Shield Appeal on Thursday (22 May).
“I was made aware of the program the Salvos ran, called William Booth House. I phoned the centre and they told me about the live-in service they provided at Surrey Hills,” she said.
“He had to face living away from home and being at William Booth House doing the Bridge Program for 11 months was certainly the hardest thing he has ever done, but the most rewarding and life-changing at the same time.
“It was very hard for me too as a mum when I had been so used to having him living with me and caring for him each day.
“He was taught to face up to his responsibilities and why he had turned to addiction. I’m so proud of Brian and the strength he has shown.
“He is still not drinking to this day; he has grown into a very caring man and now has a lovely fiance who loves and supports him too.”
But that wasn’t the end of Michelle’s involvement with the Salvos.
“My oldest son, who suffers depression and drinks, unfortunately, attempted to take his own life and was found by my five-year-old grandson. After this, I once again reached out to the Salvos,” she said.
She and her family found help through the First Floor program run by the Wollongong Salvation Army, which supports families and individuals in their recovery from substance abuse, mental health issues and loss.
“Over many years, I have experienced acceptance and never felt judged or blamed by facilitators, staff or participants who have shared my journey,” Michelle said.
Michelle said her life and that of her family had changed, thanks to the generosity of donors to the annual Red Shield Appeal – “we now have much hope for the future”.
The appeal launch, attended by about 150 business and community members as well as Salvation Army staff, also recognised the long-time support of Wollongong law firm Heard McEwan Legal.
Managing director Nathan Heard said the company’s sponsorship started 26 years ago with his father Malcolm and his partner in the firm, John McEwan.
“The message hasn’t really changed that much over the years, and nor has the need,” he said.
“Arguably the need is greater, and so that need has seen a second generation of Heard McEwan Legal support, and if I have anything to do with it, I’ll make sure that those that follow us will have the same commitment to do so.”
The Army’s Major Robyn Black told the launch that more than half of all Australians say they are feeling more financial stress than they did last year.
“We know that statistics are more than just numbers; they are real people who are facing real struggles,” she said.
“Many feel forgotten and isolated and uncertain about their future, but there is still hope, as always.
“Over the last 12 months, the Salvation Army in Australia has provided 220,000 sessions of support for people affected by addiction and our homelessness services have offered 750,000 nights of accommodation to homeless people.
“We also saw a 41 per cent increase in the number of people seeking help due to domestic and family violence.
“These numbers are a wakeup call, and they show us that your support is more needed than ever before.
“We’re fortunate to help so many people, but the reality is that many, many more people still need support every day.
“More Australians are struggling with the emotional and financial strain of today’s world, and our Red Shield Appeal focuses on the growing needs of those facing homelessness, financial stress and the mental toll of engaging with ongoing uncertainty, and that’s where you come in. Your generosity is what makes our work possible.”
Now in its 61st year, the Red Shield Appeal is aiming to raise $38 million nationally.
Click here to donate, or phone 13 Salvos (13 7258). Donations can also be made at any Salvos Store.
If you or someone you know needs help, you can contact:
Lifeline’s 24-hour crisis support line – 13 11 14
Suicide Call Back Service – 1300 659 467
