Kristen’s Journey with TURSA

Kristen wasn’t looking for a handout. As a single parent of two, she’d always been fiercely independent. But life had thrown her some curveballs. Raising a child with special needs while battling epilepsy herself left her feeling isolated and struggling to find employment. The stigma surrounding her condition made things even harder. “It felt like I was falling into a dark hole,” she remembers.

A glimmer of hope arrived through Tursa employment and training organisation. Reaching out for help was a big step, but TURSA met her with compassion, not judgement. “They didn’t see me as another statistic but as a person with potential,” Kristen says.

With TURSA’s support, Kristen began to rebuild her confidence. They connected her with counselling services, helped her navigate job interviews, and offered practical assistance. Slowly but surely, she started to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Then came a life-changing moment. TURSA’s employment Adviser, Shayne, saw an opportunity at a local store and introduced Kristen to the manager. The interview went well, and soon, Kristen was starting a new chapter as a sales assistant. “The steady income brought much-needed stability. I no longer worry about putting food on the table,” she says with relief.

But the benefits went beyond finances. The job gave Kristen a sense of purpose again. “I can provide for myself and my children,” she shares, a newfound pride in her voice. “Knowing I have a safety net in emergencies is incredibly empowering.”