A new start for Depinder

Empowering Families

When Depinder* arrived in Australia with her three children—aged two, 11, and 18, she carried more than just their belongings. She carried the weight of trauma, fear, and uncertainty. Fleeing family violence in her home country, she found herself in a new country, waiting for her visa to be approved, unable to speak much English, and unsure how to begin again.

That’s when she met Wendy, a Family Services Practitioner at Anglicare Victoria.

“Depinder and her kids had all experienced devastating trauma,” Wendy recalled.

“There were serious concerns for their mental health, and the development of the two younger children was at risk.”

Wendy became a lifeline. She helped Depinder apply for family payments, enrol her toddler in childcare, and access NDIS support. She connected her with a specialised legal service and arranged emergency food relief when the family had nothing left.

In Wendy, Depinder found hope!

Today, Depinder is building a new life with strength and dignity. She’s learning English, has secured a job, and is filled with confidence about the future. Her 11-yearold is ready to start high school with all the resources she needs, and her youngest is thriving in kindergarten—safe, happy, and full of potential.

After everything they’ve endured, Depinder and her children are no longer just surviving—they’re flourishing.

Anglicare Victoria’s family services practitioners walk alongside families like Depinder’s every day, helping them navigate hardship and rebuild their lives with courage and connection.

Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, families in crisis can access food relief, care packages, legal advocacy, and the compassionate support they need to heal and thrive.

“The transformation this family has been through is incredible. Humour and having fun is now a big part of their family dynamic, it’s remarkable!”– Wendy, Family Services Case Practitioner

*Names have been changed to protect privacy.