Women transform their lives in Life Houses

Poet and civil rights activist Maya Angelou said,

“We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.”

In our Life Houses, women transform and change their lives.

Mia* was 19 years old when she moved into a Life House. She had a one-year-old girl, and she was studying a part-time beauty therapy course whilst also working part-time. Mia had been living in a cramped and busy household with her family, and she often struggled to find a space to study. When she moved into the Life House, it enabled her to continue with her study in a more relaxed environment. She continued to go to college every week and work towards her qualification.

Mia inspires other Life House residents to pursue their dreams

Little did Mia know that she had become a role model for the other tenants in the House, after they witnessed first hand how it was possible to successfully juggle motherhood, college, and work.

Seeing Mia, Zoe* (another client), said, “I also want to go back to college and do something I love.” The Support Worker researched local colleges with her to see what types of courses were available. She had a passion for make up, and they soon found a course in Theatre Make Up. With the encouragement of the other tenants and the Support Worker she applied, and was successful in obtaining a place for September 2021. Congratulations Zoe!

Many Life Housing clients have dreams, and often need the support and encouragement to pursue them. Natasha* was also another client in the House and had been visiting local nurseries for her daughter. Natasha had found school a challenge but she really wanted to achieve something that she felt passionate about. So she decided that she would start a course to become a Teaching Assistant. With her daughter now in nursery, she had some more time to study and work towards her qualification.

Transformed lives

This month Mia has passed her Level 2 Beauty Therapy and has found a part-time job in a salon. Congratulations Mia! She’s due to move out of the Life House soon, and start the next chapter in her life. For the other women, they are just starting the journey of studying. For all women in Life Houses, the’re encouraged to pursue their passions and those around them instil in them that they can do it!

*Please note that all named have been changed.