Welcome Wins #3: Lily’s lifelines

In search for safety

 “We just want safety and a chance to start over.”

When Lily* sought safety in Australia, she was raising four children alone and navigating uncertainty, with no income, no childcare, and no clear pathway to support. 

Referred by her church community, she reached out to the Asylum Seekers Centre (ASC).

She still remembers their first visit in 2023.

 “My kids and I were so nervous. We’d been through so much, and we were so stressed,” she says. 

“But the people there are so warm and kind, and the place is safe. For the first time, we truly felt protected.”

Stable lifelines

The Asylum Seekers Centre helped Lily and her family with immediate support: food, financial assistance, clothing, a laptop, and referral for legal help.

But for people seeking asylum, accessing even basic support is not guaranteed. In recent years, eligibility for Status Resolution Support Services (SRSS) – the limited safety net for vulnerable people seeking asylum – has been significantly restricted. This has left many without any form of safety net – even when they are in crisis. 

For Lily, securing SRSS was critical, but also far from straightforward. 

Accessing SRSS is complex and often out of reach without support. With the advocacy of her ASC caseworker, Keelin, who helped prepare documentation, write support letters, and navigate the system, Lily was able to secure access. 

“ASC helped me with the support letters and submitting,” Lily explains. “It helped us with our basic living needs.”

This access to a safety net changed everything.

“It covered our basic needs, and at last, I could start taking care of my kids in peace.”

With immediate pressures eased, Lily could begin to think beyond survival. Keelin also supported Lily to connect with additional services.

“Keelin helped me to submit to the Red Cross and other groups that help single mums.”

Each new connection strengthened Lily’s independence.

A barrier to overcome

As a single mother, Lily had no other support networks and couldn’t afford childcare or school fees.

“I had to do everything by myself every day. The worst part was my kids couldn’t go to school. It wasn’t good for them, and they were wasting so much time.”

That began to change with ASC’s coordinated, wraparound support.

Alison, ASC’s Family Network Coordinator, helped Lily navigate childcare options and enrol her children in school.

“Alison is so kind. She made sure my kids also got school uniforms. Now they have their own friends and teachers.” 

“It totally changed our lives.”

 Room for joy

 With ASC’s wraparound support, something else began to return to Lily that she thought they’d lost: happiness.

“We joined the community activities they have, like painting workshops and Sing & Grow. Meg [ASC’s Community Participation Coordinator]), took such good care of us”

 “When we felt down, we’d go to Sing & Grow. Meg was so helpful with the kids. I watched my kids laugh and be happy, and that made me happy too. I felt so warm inside.”

She shares a special moment that still makes her smile.

 “After the Sing & Grow workshop, the teacher gave certificates to all the kids. Even my baby, who was only one year old! It was her first certificate ever. One year old and already has a certificate! It’s such a funny, cute memory for our family.”

 Welcome wins and builds

Today, Lily is looking ahead.

She is working with ASC’s Employment Services team to build skills and explore job opportunities.

“The ASC has introduced great job opportunities for me,” she says.

She is also giving back to the community.

“I volunteer at the ASC to cook delicious food for people in need – this is my way to repay the care I received, to help others who are struggling with food and warmth just like I once was.”

Her hopes are clear.

“My biggest dream is for my children to have a bright future, independent and strong.”

Lily and her family are already on her way.

“To ASC, thank you for opening the door for me and my family. You are truly the key to our life.”

ASC didn’t just support Lily in a moment of crisis – our team helped her family build a future. 

*Name changed for privacy