Beyond breaking point

Tania has faced more challenges in a few years than most people face in a lifetime including a relationship breakdown, mental health issues and trying to make ends meet.

Through the toughest of days, she has persevered because of a constant source of hope.

“I just look at my kids and that’s why I keep going.”

Raising a teenage son and younger twin daughters on her own, Tania’s finances have been stretched due to the continued cost-of-living crisis and its devastating and unrelenting impacts for families.

“Costs just keep going up. At the end of a fortnight, I have $53 and I don’t get paid until Friday.”

“I’ll work out how much money I’ve got per day for the fortnight…I can’t just go to the shops and go, we’ll get this, this and this without knowing a budget.”

“I have to pay for medication, it’s $20, but that’s $20 in fuel or something else."

“It means that we have to stay home and have two-minute noodles for the next couple of days – it is what it is, [my daughters] need those antibiotics. So if I have to go without, I will go without.”

Thankfully, Vinnies has been able to ease the load for Tania with meals for her family.

Tania first came into contact with the St Vincent de Paul Society when she received a notice to vacate her rental property. Vinnies members were able to provide immediate support with food and clothing.

Gaining further assistance with referral services, including essential prescriptions for her twin daughters who live with chronic asthma, the ongoing support culminated in a transformative moment where she was offered a place through community housing that Tania now calls her forever home.

“I surprised my kids on the Friday when I picked them up, we started moving in that night, and then had our first night on the Saturday. It’s home – safety, stability.”

Tania regards the support she has received from Vinnies as a community, “It’s not just one person that deals with you, it’s everyone coming in to help.”

“Vinnies go above and beyond; they’ve gotten to know me and I’m so grateful.”

This community is far-reaching with St Vincent de Paul Society Victoria members supporting thousand of people over the past year.

People in Tania’s circumstances – sole parents with dependents – make up close to a third of the people seeking assistance.

The rising cost-of-living remains an ever-present issue for Tania, as she works to manage competing expenses that result in having to make choices that no one should have to weigh up.

These choices are heartbreaking and reflect the demand for support at all times of year, but especially at Christmas.

With the support of Vinnies in place, Tania is looking towards the Christmas season with renewed hope.

“It’s not just a one-day event, it’s the lead up to it – I love the anticipation – I know what the kids are getting, but I’m so excited to see them get it!

“Watching their faces light up while we’re making Christmas breakfast, whether it’s pancakes or bacon and eggs, and then getting to go and open up presents…they’re so excited and watching them playing with them.

“My present is seeing my kids happy and seeing their faces light up.”

*Names and images are changed to protect people's privacy