00:00Dear friend, there was a time not that long ago that if you told me I'd be writing this letter
00:09I wouldn't have believed you. Six months ago I really didn't have much confidence. I hadn't
00:15worked for several decades due to being in a domestic violent relationship. I wanted to look
00:20for work and after taking the time to work on myself and my children the time was right for
00:25me to begin applying for jobs. I had secured an interview in a coffee shop and for a voluntary
00:31role within the community and my daughter also had an upcoming interview. Neither of us had any idea
00:38what to wear or what to expect in an interview situation. When you've been in our situation
00:43the person responsible has taken away your freedom and you just don't know who you are anymore. I had
00:50really just forgotten all about myself. That's when we both found SmartWorks. From the moment we
00:56walked through the door we were treated with such care and kindness. It is such a safe haven for
01:02women. The coaching helped me feel prepared for the interviews. I went in not knowing how to answer
01:07anything and came out feeling like maybe I can do this and the dressing was just amazing. I'd spent so
01:15long wearing black and SmartWorks helped me find my colour again. And it wasn't just me. My daughter
01:22had an interview too and accessed the coaching and dressing service. This was a huge step for her
01:28as she hasn't been feeling herself in such a long time. She absolutely loved her clothes and I'm so
01:35proud to tell you she got the job and she's doing well. I got both jobs too and I'm now volunteering
01:42within the community and working towards becoming a support worker myself. I've even started a women's
01:48group to support other women in my position which is going from strength to strength. SmartWorks gave
01:54me more than clothes. They gave us confidence and a hope for a better future. We're still in the
02:00refuge for now but for the first time in a long time we're dreaming of having a place to call our own.
02:06That's why I'm writing. There are so many more women like me out there waiting to be welcomed to
02:13SmartWorks and for that same opportunity to dream about a better tomorrow. A new SmartWorks centre
02:19means even more women can walk through that door and start to transform their lives just like we did.
02:26If you're thinking about donating to support this move, please do. You're not just helping women get
02:32dressed for interviews. You're helping them find their strength, confidence and colour again and that's
02:38just life-changing. All my best, Rebecca.
Comments