Sophia moved to Queensland from the UK for love. She thought she’d met the man she was going to spend the rest of her life with, and arranged a Partner Visa so she could move across the world to live with him. 

At first, everything was just as Sophia imagined. And when Angel was born, life seemed complete. 

But then Sophia’s partner began to change. He became emotionally abusive and controlling. He threatened to have her visa cancelled so she’d be deported. 

When he became physically violent, Sophia knew she needed to leave. She had to keep Angel safe. 

But that meant Sophia was suddenly a single mum. She had no family in Australia. And because of her visa situation, she didn’t think she was eligible for any kind of support. 

Thankfully, she got in touch with Vinnies.  

The Vinnies Refuge staff and Transitional Housing Program team went straight to work to provide safety and stability for Sophia and Angel. 

They advocated so Sophia could receive emergency payments from government bodies, so she had some financial independence again. Emergency accommodation was fast tracked too.

But Vinnies didn’t just help Sophia find a more permanent place to live. The team filled her new home with furniture, kitchen goods, linen, toys, pantry items, cleaning supplies – and everything Sophia and Angel needed to start a new life. A life where they were safe. 

Sophia was overwhelmed with gratitude. That’s the kind of impact your fundraising this year will make.