Emerge Stories

It has been a roller coaster year where we celebrated opening our long-awaited 24/7 refuge and had to grapple with the effects of COVID-19, which has altered how we have worked with the women and children we support, and how we work as staff and volunteers. While challenging, we have been greeted with enormous opportunities to become more flexible and reach more women and children than ever.

Many hands make light work and bring a whole lot of warmth, happiness and fun to teenagers living in Emerge’s refuge and crisis accommodation.

Five Emerge crisis properties are due to be refreshed through the Victoria’s government’s Housing Stimulus program in the new year.

All I want for the festive season this year is for it to be a safe and happy time for everyone. One where we are surrounded by family and loved ones, and without having an endless conversation about COVID-19. And for the women and children we support, one where they are free from violence, tension and filled with smiles. I am sure that I speak for all of us.

The ‘core and cluster’ design of safe homes such as Emerge’s new 24/7 refuge has been singled out by New South Wales as best practice.

Emerge supporters are being asked to give toys and vouchers to help make this festive season a special one for every child the organisation supports.

Emerge’s financial counselling service has been hard at it over the past year, and now that face to face services have resumed, the rise in the number of women seeking support has taken the organisation aback.

Emerge’s outreach program has grown over the past year, engaging with more families and children.

Last year Emerge worked with more children across all its services than ever before. It supported 89 children in crisis and transitional accommodation, an increase of over 185% increase on children supported by the service in the previous year.

One woman is killed every week by her current or former partner. Victorian Police respond to a family violence incident every six minutes.

Emerge needs your help to make this festive season a special one for every child we support. A festive season where they can relax and feel a tiny bit spoilt, just for a day. And one where their mums can enjoy watching their kids smile and laugh.