Jess fled from WA while she was 32 weeks pregnant with Shanae, who is now 10, due to issues with domestic violence.

Your donation to Rosies supports people like Jess and Shanae experience connection and friendship. 

“It was a difficult decision to make, I had to leave my family and my boys but if I didn’t leave, I would have lost her (Shanae).  I’m all by myself which can be very hard especially being a single mum,” Jess said. 

Jess has limited contact with her family in WA outside of the occasional text with her mum but is currently going through the courts to gain contact with her 14- and 15-year-old boys.  

 “I’m just going through the courts trying to get some kind of contact with them because they don’t realize that I’m their mom. Like they see their dad’s new girlfriend as their mom. I only saw them when they were three and four and they’re now 14, 15. So, yeah, it’s a long process. WA has it’s own legal system, and the rules are a bit different, but Legal Aid is helping me. I’m aiming to get photos or Skype or FaceTime with them,” Jess said.  

For the last two years Jess and her daughter Shanae have travelled over 40minutes twice a week to experience connection and friendship at Rosies in Caloundra.  

“We like to come for the social interaction and Shanae likes to help the volunteers set up – they are all so friendly,” Jess said.  

Jess first learned about Rosies through the weekly community meal in Caloundra and decided to drop by and see what it was all about.  

“It’s been good to have somewhere to go to receive help and just have someone to chat to,” Jess said.  

She continued, “I wish more people knew it was on and how good it is, it would be better if there were more Rosies locations. There are a few kids and families that come, and Shanae likes to play with them, it’s nice.” 

She continued, “In December I started working part time at a cafe in Maroochydore as a barista and kitchen hand, it’s the first job I’ve had since Shanae was born. I really enjoy it. Shanae likes going to school, seeing her friends, and coming to Rosies. The people we have met, the friends we have made, they are like family.” 

“We love having Jess and Shanae on outreach and we feel very privileged that she and Shanae choose to spend time with us,” Carolyn Wilson, Rosies Sunshine Coast Branch Coordinator said.  

Carolyn continued, “We will continue to offer friendship, love and support to Jess and Shanae for as long as they need it. What she is going through is very difficult and it’s important that we volunteers are there for her along the way.” 

If you’d like to help Jess and Shanae, please click here to donate.