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Maria’s Story
Maria was only 15 when her life changed dramatically. Growing up in a strict Croatian Catholic household, she had always struggled to find her independence within the rigid rules of her family. Conflict at home escalated until her father gave her an ultimatum, and she made the difficult decision to leave.
“For about three months, I slept rough, staying with friends whenever I could.”
Those three months were some of the hardest of her life. She moved between friends’ couches and the streets, never knowing where she would sleep the next night. She was constantly on alert, vulnerable to harm, and alone in navigating a world that was unsafe for a teenage girl without support.
“It was a really difficult time. I felt alone, isolated and abandoned, like I didn’t exist.”
Eventually, Maria was referred to youth services and found her way into emergency accommodation. From there, she was connected to transitional housing at Our Place, which gave her something she had not felt in months: relief.
“I just remember being so grateful and feeling so lucky to have an opportunity, something. Anything. more secure.”
That security was more than just a roof over her head, it gave her the foundation to continue her schooling, to start planning for her future and to begin healing from the instability she had endured. With support from staff and the stability of her housing, Maria could finally focus on building her independence.
She completed high school, pursued vocational training and discovered a passion for helping others.
“It has been a journey… and I am so proud of little Maria.”
Her resilience and determination soon turned into achievement. She completed a Certificate IV in Mental Health and in 2023, she was recognised as Vocational Student of the Year through the ACT Training Awards. Later, she was awarded Runner up at the Australian Training Awards - a moment that confirmed just how far she had come since those nights of sleeping rough.
“Graduating year 12 and being recognised for my commitment to vocational studies was not something I thought was possible.”
By the age of 22, Maria had reached a milestone few could have imagined when she left home at 15.
“At 22, I bought my own home.”
From rough sleeping and instability to owning her own home, Maria’s journey shows the extraordinary power of resilience and support. Today, she is working in the community sector specially in housing and homelessness. She has turned her own experiences into a purpose-driven career where she can offer others the same hope she was once given.
Her advice to young people going through what she did is heartfelt and determined.
“Hang in there. Keep working hard and you’ll get there. Seek what sets your soul on fire.”
Maria’s story is a testament to strength, transformation and the possibility of change. She endured pain, rejection and instability at an age when she should have been focused on school and friendships, but she refused to let those experiences define her. Instead, she built a life of stability, purpose and pride, and in doing so, proved to herself and others that adversity can be overcome.
This story has been compiled and written by Black Sally Lane Media. The content is based on the lived experiences generously shared by participants. preserve the authenticity of their voices. The views expressed belong to the individuals who shared their stories.