Leah helps pave the way for client Shay to ‘fight on’

When Resthaven Riverland Community Services social worker, Leah Harris, first met client, Shay Richardson, she was homeless and sleeping in a van in her sister’s driveway.

‘I thought to myself “This can’t be the rest of my life” but for a long time, it was,’ Shay says.

Leah helped her to get a place, and to fill out the necessary paperwork to ensure Shay has the help she needs.

‘I just wanted to assist her anyway I could so she could get on her feet again,’ Leah says. ‘I’ve noticed a lot of changes in the last couple of years in Shay. She has been empowered to make these changes in her life, to stand her own ground. I think she’s been quite resilient in a lot of ways. She continues to fight on and improve her life to the best of her ability.’

Shay has nothing but praise the work Leah has done.

‘Leah’s helped me to understand what it is that I’ve wanted out of life, and then she’s helped me pave it,’ Shay says. ‘She hasn’t done it for me, but she’s put me on the right path and directed me.’

‘I think Resthaven is an amazing place. Sometimes those that don’t have the ability to do it on their own can get lost in the system. I was one of those people. And now I’ve got a roof over my head and I’m going to TAFE and all of that is because of Leah and the place she works for.’

‘I do get a sense of satisfaction from being able to assist people from the bottom up,’ Leah says.

Resthaven home support services are tailored to reflect clients’ needs, choices, and interests.

Shay’s story is one of many examples of Resthaven staff working in partnership with clients to reach their goals.