A fresh start

How *Natasha found a safe haven — and a future she can look forward to.

When *Natasha fled a violent relationship five years ago, she had no choice but to move into her parents’ granny flat with her two young children. While the proximity to childcare and school helped, the emotional toll of the situation — and living in a home shadowed by her brother’s abusive behaviour — made it difficult to move forward.

Eventually, *Natasha and her kids relocated to a women’s shelter. “It was hard to leave,” she recalls. “My case worker, Priya*, was like a sister. The support there — it was like a village of love. They helped me find the strength to take the next step.”

View of a sunny apartment window with a potted green plant and a black camera on the windowsill, overlooking modern brick buildings outside.
Living room corner with beige sofa, three orange-brown pillows, and a wooden shelf with decorative vases, potted plant, and storage basket.

That next step came in the form of a transitional home through Sunrise Foundation.

“I still remember when Priya told me, ‘You’re pushing for doors to open — and more doors will open because of that.’ And she was right,” *Natasha says.

Living room corner with a beige armchair, colorful geometric pillow, plants on and around a wooden and metal shelf, wall art, and a lamp.

Moving into her own space brought a deep sense of relief. “It didn’t feel real at first — like a weight had lifted off my shoulders. I used to sit and cry in my dad’s granny flat. Now, I feel stronger. I can breathe again.”

White ceramic mug with abstract black, orange, and beige brushstroke design on a white surface near a large window with a blurry cityscape background.

For *Natasha, it’s more than just a roof over her head. It’s the joy of seeing her children safe and settled. It’s the feeling of being able to sleep soundly at night, without fear or pressure. “We’ve all changed since moving in,” she says. “My son’s getting support, and I can finally focus on work and being a mum again.”

She’s now planning for what’s next — owning her own home, and maybe even launching a business in the disability sector. “I’ve come out as a winner,” *Natasha says. “This might be a small stepping stone, but bigger things are on the way.”

A potted green plant on a windowsill with sunlight streaming through horizontal blinds.

*To respect the privacy of our residents, some names, locations and personal details have been changed. What hasn’t changed is the heart of their story — and the impact a stable home can make.

Next: How *Mikayla found her home in Social Housing

Two women lean out of an old window with wooden and brick frame, enjoying sunlight and eating pizza.

*Mikayla’s Story

After she was unable to secure shelter at a refuge, Mikayla turned to Sunrise for help. A few days later, she had a freshly furnished apartment and the space she needed for a fresh start.