Could your family be the reason another family thrives?

When Xiu* arrived in Australia with her young son, Ming, everything was unfamiliar. A new country. A different culture. And no extended family to lean on when things got hard. Isolated and unsure of where to turn, she discovered Family by Family, a program built by families, for families. What started as a tough time became the first step in a life-changing journey.

“When I was a Seeking Family, I felt a deep warmth and was encouraged during my visit by Family by Family,” Xiu recalls. “I especially remember when I was going through a tough time, my mood was low and I was confused. But Family by Family helped me set small goals and work toward self-growth.”

For those new to the Family by Family program, it brings together two types of families:
Seeking Families – those going through tough times and looking for a better way forward, and Sharing Families – families who’ve overcome their own challenges and want to give back.

Sharing Families are trained and supported to walk alongside Seeking Families, sharing what has worked for them and supporting families to make the changes that they want to make in their lives. Sharing Families who are bold enough to say, “We’ve been there too,” and kind enough to walk beside others going through it now, without judgement. 

With the support of her Sharing Family and Family Coaches, Xiu found more than just coping strategies. She found confidence, community, and a life where she could be more than just a mum doing her best, she could genuinely be herself again.

“Even though I don’t have many relatives here, Family by Family made me feel like I belonged in Australia,” she says. “They helped me find balance. And hope.”

Now, Xiu is paying it forward. Along with her son Ming, they are a volunteer Sharing Family, offering that same warmth, hope and steady encouragement to other families just starting their journey.

“I’m happy to help and support a new Seeking Family,” she smiles. “I want to pass on my positive energy. Help them reach their goals. Grow with them. Make their life better.”

Because that’s the beauty of Family by Family. It’s not a service, it’s a network. A genuine community of families supporting families.

Families like yours.

Uniting Communities is looking for Sharing Families right now. Families who have had their fair share of ups and downs, and who know how powerful it can be to have someone beside you on the journey. If that’s you, they’d love to hear from you.

As a Sharing Family volunteer, your family will be supported by a Family Coach throughout your journey and have access to free events, resources and training in the field of community services.

Be bold. Be kind. Be the reason someone else finds their way forward. Become a Sharing Family today.

‘*names have been changed to protect privacy’

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO 

Or email FamilyByFamily@unitingcommunities.org

For more information and all enquiries please visit the Uniting Communities website

At Play & Go Adelaide we make every effort to provide accurate information to the best of our knowledge at the time of publication. We recommend confirming times, dates and details directly before making any plans as details may be subject to change.

Image Source: supplied

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