Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre

When Sara arrived at the From Now program, she described herself as exhausted: “lost, broken, and stuck in a cycle that seemed impossible to break.” She had just been released from jail and was trying to work out how to be the mother she wanted to be while carrying what she called “shame, regret and fear of failure.”

What she found at From Now was the first moment of stability she had felt in years. She recalls being met “with warmth, understanding, and a deep belief that I could do better, not just for myself, but for my daughter.” For the first time, she was living in what she called a “normal household,” surrounded by people who cared about her and her child. She emphasised that she “wasn’t just another case number,” but someone whose potential others saw long before she did.

From Now gave Sara “more than just a place to stay.” It offered the chance to heal, to grow, and to rebuild her life. Sara says the program gave her the tools to work through her past, develop new skills and become self-sufficient. The support helped her transition into housing, something she never thought would be possible, and begin piecing her life back together.

She credits the program’s creator, Jenny Homes, for designing a refuge that goes beyond basic needs. In Sara’s words, From Now is “a lifeline” built on understanding, patience and the belief that women are worthy of a safe future. “They helped me see my worth,” she says, reflecting on how the program empowered her to imagine a different life for herself and her daughter.

Today, Sara stands on her own feet with what she calls “a heart full of hope and gratitude.” Her message to other women is simple: with the right support, change is possible. “If I can do it, so can you,” she says.

You don’t have to do it alone. You deserve a life full of love, happiness and stability.”

Sara’s experience reflects what the From Now program was created to address: without stable housing, women leaving prison struggle to stay safe, rebuild routines and parent their children. With it, they can stabilise, avoid returning to crisis, and take the first practical steps toward independence.

Women’s and Girls’ Emergency Centre (WAGEC) is a specialist domestic and family violence service supporting women and children across Sydney. Through crisis accommodation, outreach casework and community programs, WAGEC helps women rebuild safety, stability and independence. WAGEC delivers the From Now program, a post-release housing and support initiative for mothers leaving prison, addressing the critical gap in safe accommodation, parenting support and pathways to long term stability.

After enduring severe coercive control, family separation, and incarceration, 46-year-old Belinda was referred to WAGEC’s From Now program. Despite having no criminal history prior to her relationship and the subsequent abuse from her ex-partner, she faced multiple arrests.

Lengthy family court proceedings led to the sale of her home and assets, driving her into homelessness for the first time. She had no alcohol or drug dependency and was known as a ‘gold standard’ mother of three with a clear criminal record until recently. During her incarceration, her eldest son was moved to a youth refuge, and her two younger sons lived with her ex-partner.

When her Parole Officer referred her to From Now, she had ‘no trust left to give,’ having been let down by systems many times before. However, during her engagement with the program, WAGEC built rapport and trust, listening to Belinda’s needs and acknowledging all she had been through.