| Gabriella first came to one of our gatherings back in March 2025. Her social worker had gently suggested that connecting with Better Together Housing might help her find a way forward in her current, precarious housing situation. Maggie, our Program Lead, remembers meeting Gabriella at the entrance of the Maleny Neighbourhood Centre—she had arrived early, having travelled quite a distance. “I felt a responsibility to give Gabriella the space to share her story and learn about our program,” Maggie said, “because it was clear she really needed support to have come so far with a support person from Nambour.” Gabriella was welcomed warmly into the group, where local women shared stories of housing hardship. While there were no quick fixes, being together offered a sense of connection and understanding. As Gabriella spoke about her background, something shifted—when she began to talk about her passion for pattern making, her Hungarian heritage, and her decades of experience, her whole being lit up. Despite the instability she was facing, Gabriella’s creativity and joy shone through. Inspired, Maggie reached out to Davinia Vella, Project Manager of Herpreneurs at the Nambour Community Centre—a social enterprise supporting multicultural women through entrepreneurship. She sensed Gabriella would thrive in this community. When they attended a session together, Davinia responded not only with warmth but enthusiasm—inviting Gabriella to lead a pattern-making workshop and offering payment for her contribution. Gabriella was glowing: “I get to do what I love—and be paid for it!” From then on, Gabriella began attending BTH gatherings closer to home in Nambour. Her story sparked the idea for our Passion Workshop series, designed to help women reconnect with their strengths even amid hardship. More recently, Gabriella formed a wonderful friendship with another BTH member through our drop-in sessions. With gentle facilitation and the support of BTH tools, the two discovered a strong sense of compatibility and shared values. They’ve submitted a rental application together and are now patiently awaiting news— hopeful about this next chapter. Gabriella is filled with excitement and gratitude after delivering her pattern-making workshop recently for the Herpreneurs group at the Nambour Community Centre. She dreams of setting up a new home, sharing her craft, and continuing to bring joy through her passion. In her own words, she “just can’t wait to offer more workshops”—proof that community, connection, and the courage to follow one’s passion can truly light the way forward. Onwards and upwards, Gabriella! |
