When you meet Kerry you are struck by her quiet dignity and determination. It is often only in hindsight that we realise how each step has shaped the overall journey of our life. Kerry’s story is about resolutions and choices… choosing to live a life with wholeness.
“They said, Uncle Viv you’re back! This time don’t leave - stay”, laughs Vivian.
2017 marks Lisa’s fifth year at Brisbane Common Ground.
“I came to Brisbane Common Ground nearly three years ago and it was the best move I ever made because it put my life back on track,”
“What I’ve found is that there are advantages. I can see the positive side. Because my immediate family are all overseas it feels as though I’ve found a second home, a second family. The support that everyone offers is really great.”
You have to try. You just have to keep trying. Just pick away at the rock – eventually there will be some change".
“Living at Brisbane Common Ground makes it easy for me to get to work, it is close to everything".
“I am one of the original tenants and came here when the building first opened".
“Everyone here is amazing. It’s just the little things along the way”.
“Talk about new beginnings, this has been the ultimate new beginning…I just feel so incredibly fortunate and I want to do justice to this opportunity. I often think…how do you thank people that have changed your life so completely and restored your trust in humanity so you can dream again?”
“I don’t consider myself a gambling person, but now that I reflect back on it, I was one of the worst gamblers going cause everyday I was gambling with my life. That’s the highest stakes possible. With life you get one shot, one shot only and it’s about your attitude and how you choose to approach it.”
“I have gained an appreciation for the differing and changing life circumstances that confront so many people.”
Ann explains that she is excited to see her dreams start to become realised, but also admits it didn’t come without some challenges.
“My belief is to make the best of what you’ve got and try to go forward, not backwards. What you get out of it, is what you put it in to it”.
“My life turned into a heap and it was hard to readjust. You get so used to being in a comfort zone with one particular job. But when life drives you a curve ball you have to find a way to meet the challenge and hopefully become a better person”.
For the purpose of this story we will call our lady Sandra. Before coming to Common Ground Queensland Sandra was always worried about how she would get to the Mater Hospital to access treatment for her multiple illnesses. Since coming to Common Ground Sandra is able to go the hospital daily or when needed which has relieved her stress and improved her overall health. Sandra feels that the security of the building and the safety this brings has greatly alleviated her stress.
Nina was born in Serbia and emigrated to Australia for a better life with greater opportunities. Unfortunately Nina became involved in relationship that was destroyed by domestic violence, she had to leave her home and spent quite a while moving around from place to place, unable to access affordable long term accommodation.
Lisa explains that before she came to live at Brisbane Common Ground she was not in a very good place within herself. A number of stresses and a divorce had sent her into a downward spiral of depression and drinking which lasted a number of years before she attended a Rehab Centre.
Aaron originally came from South Logan. When his family decided to relocate to the Sunshine Coast he picked up some temporary accommodation at a training college. When his accommodation became unsuitable for his needs, he then applied for housing with the Department of Housing. Initially his application for housing was rejected.
Before coming to live at Common Ground Queensland, Eddie’s life was very transient. Over the last few years, Eddie has moved from place to place in and around Brisbane.