Your generous support has helped expand our Recreational Therapy program to reach even more people doing it tough.
When Maria* first arrived at our women's and children's crisis accommodation centre, she barely looked up. Living in temporary housing with her two young children after fleeing a violent partner, she carried the weight of trauma and uncertainty about their future.
During the day, while her children attended school, specialist therapist Jessica offered her a place at the art table.
At first, Maria just sat quietly, watching her youngest create at the paint station beside her. Slowly, she began to pick up a brush.
Research shows that just 45 minutes of art-making significantly reduces stress hormones. For Maria, it became something more—a pathway back to herself. Week after week, she returned, gradually opening up through colour and creativity rather than words.
“It’s all about the person coming back to themselves,” explains Jody Willoughby, Statewide Domestic Family Violence and Homelessness Manager.
“Having dignity, respect, understanding who they are, working through trauma. Once they have that belief in themselves, the rest becomes possible.”
Thank you for helping deliver over 200 Recreational Therapy sessions across Queensland each year.
From the mobile van pulling up at Blair Athol Homelessness Hub on the Gold Coast with supplies ready, to children’s sessions at Auchenflower, you’re helping create spaces where healing begins with a paintbrush.
*Name has been changed to protect their privacy
