Meet some of the many inspiring clients, staff and supporters who are working with Ruah to end disadvantage in Western Australia. We are particularly grateful to those who have shared their personal journey with such generosity and hope. Their lived experience of trauma, struggle and triumph is a powerful inspiration and motivation for us all.
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Stories
Tai closes the door on violence
3 August 2022
Homelessness
Many of us take for granted the security and safety we feel in our own home. For Tai, who spent...
Joe opens the door to happiness
1 August 2022
Homelessness
A bad run with mental health left Joe on the streets. Within a week, he lost everything dear to him...
Shane’s journey to an open heart
1 August 2022
Homelessness
Years living on the street has left Shane guarded and sceptical of people. “I was on the streets with a...
Matt Nichols has a hat collection and moustache that would make a Vaudeville star weak with envy, a long ‘67...
Rick tackles the challenge of quarantine head on
24 July 2020
COVID-19, Mental Health & Wellness, Team member
Rick Dean’s three week holiday in the Philippines promised to be the adventure of a lifetime – a big personal...
Connection and courage the key for Sheree
24 July 2020
Advocate, COVID-19, Family Services
As one of Ruah’s first domestic violence advocates Sheree is committed to using her experience to educate younger generations about healthy relationships and to empower other women and men to get out and build a better life.
You see, Sheree knows the cycle of domestic violence all too well. She witnessed her mother’s abuse for many years from when she was just seven-years of age. At 16, she found her ‘soulmate’ and without being aware of it at the time, entered her own abusive relationship.
As a successful community health advocate, broadcaster and public speaker, people could be forgiven for thinking Katherine Houareau has lived a charmed life.
But after surviving five suicide attempts, years of sexual and emotional abuse and attempted murder at the hands of her former husband, the vivacious mother of two knows exactly how tough life can be.
“Good management of bad experiences is what the journey to recovery is all about and that has to start inside ourselves.”
Now, at aged 49, Kat has found her happy place. She is one of Ruah’s first domestic violence advocates and is making her mark as a champion for mental health and suicide prevention.
Finding bubbles of joy in everyday life
23 July 2020
Advocate, COVID-19, Family Services
Housework and soap are the unlikely highlights in Azelene Williams’ life right now – and it has nothing to do with protecting her family from coronavirus.
