John’s priority has always been to protect his son.
After escaping domestic violence, numerous struggles with the family court system left him heavily in debt, without a car, emergency fund, or a safe home for his son, Cameron.
That’s when Vincentian House offered a safe haven: a self-contained unit with full connection to St Vincent de Paul Society NSW wrap-around services to rebuild their lives. “Without Vinnies, I think we would’ve been on the street.”
The move to Vincentian House came about suddenly. Upon learning that a place was available on a Friday, John gathered up the pieces of his life over the weekend before moving in the following Monday.
As John and Cameron took a leap of faith into the unknown, they were met with open arms and supported at every step of their journey.
The 18-month stay at Vincentian House saw Cameron, aged eight at the time, slowly growing his confidence back after struggling to speak from a young age due to violence from his mother. Over time, his timid hellos turned into long conversations with the supportive staff providing understanding and encouragement in his life.
John became accustomed to a new life free from the volatility of his partner. Suddenly, the stressful days of court and late nights of paperwork became less daunting. Support was always there, food was on the table, and a roof was over their heads.
“Our time in Vincentian House was pivotal for Cameron. It took him from an area that was unstable to a stable environment. It taught him that he can speak up and express his opinions without being denigrated or put down. He learnt a lot more – at school he was more expressive,” said John.
They spent their weekends bike riding in the local national park, spending as much time together as they could. Cameron learned to live a new life, free from abuse. Not only was he speaking with confidence, but he eventually performed in a play at their local theatre to show just how far he had come.
Nearly a decade on from their time at Vincentian House, John has worked away at his debts with a new job and has a forever home for his son. Cameron is 16, still at school, but with big dreams and passions about social justice and change for the future.
John looks back on his time in Vincentian House with gratitude, “Without that we would never have gotten to that junction point where we broke away from those issues.”
With Cameron thriving, John is thankful for how far he’s come.
“I’m proud of what he’s done, he’s become an individual... He’s learned to become his own person.”
John has had to rebuild his life from scratch, and it hasn’t been easy. With Vincentian House, he had time and support to do that. Now, the father and son are living the happy and stable life they dreamed of having together