Stories of Dignity
Below you can find feedback shared by individuals and families who have been supported through Friends with Dignity’s programs, including our Sanctuary Program and Urgent Requests.
Each testimonial has been shared with us within the last year, ensuring the stories you read reflect the current experiences of our community.
Some names and details have been changed to protect privacy, but every story is true.
We thank those who have courageously shared their journey in the hope that it inspires others and highlights the importance of community support.
Sanctuary Program
Emily
“As someone who was at rock bottom with no hope of ever picking myself up, I now feel hope for the future. My little sanctuary has made me, and the children feel safe and this means I can start to heal and help the children to do so too.”
Lauren
“I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the incredible support you’ve provided in furnishing my new home. Walking into my beautifully furnished home left me in awe, and the joy in my heart is indescribable.”
Suzie
“Since moving into our home, it has been filled with happiness, comfort, dancing and so much laughing until our bellies hurt
From a survivor…. I thank you.
Thank you for making me feel like I am safe again.”
Jane
“I feel like my life is beginning to fall back into place and we can start to heal from the trauma of the last few years. Thank you so much.”
Amy (daughter of Jane)
“My bed and all my Barbie toys are so exciting. My favourite thing to do is colouring and you left me pencils and colouring books. Thank you.”
Julie
“From the bottom of my heart thank you so much, it’s so beautiful that I cried. I feel like I won the lotto.”
Amanda
“If it was not for them (FwD), I would have nothing. He (ex-partner) always said no one cares about me but in the past week I have cried tears of joy because I can’t believe that this happened to me and that there are people that care. First time in years I have been able to get some decent sleep.”
Pam
“I’m truly impressed with how beautifully you furnished my place, especially since you did it all for free. It’s absolutely wonderful! My children and I are incredibly excited and deeply grateful.”
Sarah
“Honestly, I thought they would only be able to donate a couple of things. In my mind I had imagined a couch and a bed and that would be it. I am so shocked at what they have given us. I am so grateful.”
Urgent Request Program
Sophie
“I can’t believe in this time I’ve been able to fill this space with all of these wonderful things. If you had told me 4 months ago that we were going to do this and would be able to fill it all out in 5 days I would have said you were crazy. I’m so grateful.”
Abby
“Thank you for supporting my family. We can attend the Play Group without problem.”
Jasmin
“I’m incredibly grateful for the support in helping to furnish my home, especially with five children to care for. This kind of help makes a real difference, and I truly appreciate it.”
Elizabeth
“I am so happy with all of my furniture, I feel like we are living in a holiday house. It’s amazing”
Kayla
“The client was extremely thankful for all that was provided and felt this helped her house become more of a home. She was also very thankful for the delivery guys who went above and beyond helping to set up the furniture for her.”
Georgia
“Our client was really grateful and repeated several times ‘Amazing, just amazing’ – the children also loved the toys that were included with the household items.”
Little Friends Scholarship
Mother of three children, QLD
“The Little Friends Scholarship made a huge difference to our family. My children were each gifted an iPad, which has helped them so much with their schooling, learning, and everyday activities. As a single parent, this support relieved a lot of financial pressure and gave my children opportunities and resources I would have struggled to provide on my own.”
Grandmother/guardian, NSW
“With out this [scholarship] my granddaughter wouldn’t be able to do her favourite sport! We are so appreciative. Xx”
Applicant’s sponsor, NSW
“This client had very high costs associated with separation with the person using violence. This meant she was falling behind with school fees. The scholarship meant that the child could stay at the school he is so settled in. He has gone on to get his first after school job and is very proud of himself. It helped create the stability in his life he needed to thrive.”
Mother of 15yo boy, QLD
“The extra help from the Little Friends Scholarship has not only assisted with both my children’s school attendance, but also their self esteem as they did not have to feel left out from attending sports with their peers and was not ostracised for wearing old clothes. Little Friends Scholarship has definitely been a god send for both of my children and we are so grateful for the financial assistance.”
Applicant’s sponsor, QLD
“My client… was solely responsible for providing her child with everything, making sure she was not disadvantaged and that she was given the same as all the other preps. Having LFS financial assistance allowed her to provide new uniforms, a suitable school bag, good shoes and more. As someone who has lived through violence and adversity the scholarship allowed my client to hold her head high and watch with pride as her daughter set off on her learning journey.”
Parent of 5yo boy, QLD
“I would like to sincerely thank the Little Friends Scholarship program for helping to pay for my son’s Brazilian Jiu Jitsu fees. My son was lacking confidence following some unfortunate events. He is now only 2 stripes away from progressing to a grey-white belt & is still only 5 years old. It is clear that his training has helped his overall demeanour. His ability to defend himself has given him more courage & confidence. We are very grateful for the support.“
Little Friends Requests
Kate
“Thank you so much for assisting me in providing financial support to my client. By helping her with this financial assistance, you not only reduced a heavy burden that was causing her constant anxiety and distress, but you also removed one of the many challenges she was facing. This has allowed her to build confidence and continue taking the right steps towards rebuilding her life for herself and her children. Thank you, as always, for the ongoing support you provide to our clients when we are unable to assist.”
Ruby
“As a single mother relying on Centrelink payments and with limited family support in Australia, opportunities such as extracurricular activities can often be out of reach.
The funding provided by Friends with Dignity will allow the daughter to participate in dance lessons, supporting her social development, confidence, coordination, and overall wellbeing. Importantly, it provides a positive and enriching experience that helps foster a sense of belonging and connection within the community.”