Calla’s Story - A Story from the Multicultural Program

Calla and her young 4 children were living in a 2 bedroom unit. With no job and no partner to support her Calla was struggling financially and emotionally to keep control of the situation. The final straw came when Calla’s ex husband removed the children from her care during an access visit. She missed her children dreadfully and wanted them to stay with her full time but the family court had stated that until she had her affairs in order and was able to provide for the children in a home suitable for the size of the family they were not willing to consider her custody application.

Calla’s situation was critical and with no-one else to turn to Calla contacted UnitingCare Wesley Bowden. Calla was given emotional support and guidance from our Multicultural Workers as well as practical support from our Financial Counsellors. She was referred onto Westside Housing who offered her a new home which she immediately accepted. With the help of the Financial Counsellor her financial situation was gradually improving and she was looking at a much brighter future.

With a more positive attitude to her situation, Calla contacted her solicitor to inform them of her change in circumstance, he was then able to put her case through family court where she was given temporary custody of her children and her ex husband was awarded visitation rights.

Through UnitingCare Wesley Bowden’s and Calla’s hard work she was able to prove that she was a good mother and her children were living in a safe environment meaning she was able to gain full custody of the children. Calla’s life is now much happier and she is incredibly grateful to UCW Bowden for all of their support. Calla can now sleep happily in the knowledge that her situation is under control and she no longer has to miss the children.