A decade of care, compassion and connection
Hope Stayz volunteer Minerva Sindac-Lebmeier provides a welcoming smile to the ladies.
A decade of care, compassion and connection was celebrated last week at Hope Stayz—an initiative of the Seventh-day Adventist Church in Sydney.
For the past 10 years, the two-night, three-day retreat has provided a safe and nurturing space for disadvantaged women and their children—those facing domestic violence, anxiety, depression, financial hardship or homelessness.
The retreat is supported by dedicated volunteers and seeks to restore dignity, confidence and self-worth by offering love, care and hope.
This year, nine mothers and 15 children attended, cared for by 27 volunteers who gave their time—many taking annual leave from work to be there. The program included life skills workshops, a boutique with free clothing, pamper sessions with hair, nails and facials, and a photo shoot. Children were catered for at the kids’ club, giving mothers an opportunity to relax and recharge.
“This program brings relief to disadvantaged women from all walks of life, especially [those experiencing] domestic violence, alcohol abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse,” said Meleofa Fifita-Tovo, director of Sydney Adventist Women, who ran the retreat.
For many, the impact has been transformative. “Through the Hope Stayz program we have seen so many lives impacted and one particular guest has actually volunteered for us for the last three years,” Ms Fifita-Tovo said. “She has changed her life spiritually, physically, emotionally, and she wanted to give back to the Hope Stayz program because we have helped her in these ways.”
Children, too, have experienced joy and hope. Shelley Phipps, kids’ club coordinator for eight of the past 10 years, reflected, “When they first arrive they are all scared, they’re shy, they don’t smile very much, and then after two-and-a-half days with us they’re going home with big grins on their faces, and it makes me feel good that we’ve given them a few happy moments that they can think back on so that when life is a bit tough they’ve got some time to remember that life can be good and it gives them a bit of hope for the future.”
Volunteer Minerva Sindac-Lebmeier affirmed the life-changing power of the retreat: “We went for a walk with the ladies and we asked them what is the best part of the event so far and one of the ladies said that it’s like a dream come true for her, walking in nature and being surrounded by people who are just positive and encouraging.”