Annual Appeal 2012

You can be forgiven for thinking she was a typical well-adjusted 16 year old. A focused and confident girl, Anastasia was 'behind the eight ball' from the beginning. She grew up with her Mum, an older brother and sister who all used drugs.

One of her first memories is her sister blowing pot (cannabis) smoke in her face when she was just four years old.

The years that followed saw her subjected to sexual abuse by a family friend and physical abuse by her stepfather. At the age of eight, her mum introduced her to drugs and she started using cannabis and ice.

Anastasia was moved into foster care with return visits to home on a regular basis. She became angry with the world and criminal charges were brought against her for physical violence. A remedy she used for dealing with situations. Then her much loved brother committed suicide. This trauma added to the ongoing sexual and physical abuse to which she was continually subjected. By now, Anastasia was regularly using a variety of drugs and alcohol that led to her first overdose. She was just 13 years old.

"I HAVE NO FUTURE AT THE MOMENT. I'M ALWAYS SCARED.
I HATE THE PERSON I'VE BECOME." - ANASTASIA

A text message received by an Odyssey House Victoria counsellor.

At the age of 14, after being expelled from yet another school, she began attending a community school. It was here that she was advised to talk to the Odyssey House counsellor who was based at the school. [There are a number of community schools across Melbourne which are 'alternative' education settings for young people who do not fit into traditional mainstream schooling. These schools have significant numbers of disadvantaged young people at risk of problematic substance use and associated behaviours. Odyssey House has counsellors at a number of these Community schools.] With regular counselling and support, Anastasia agreed to attend a drug detoxification facility (detox). In August last year, after a number of attempts, Anastasia came out of detox, feeling for the first time that she would be able to cope without drugs. Since then, and with ongoing support from her Odyssey House counsellor Ora, her anger issues have subsided. Now, when issues arise, she is able to talk things through or just walk away.

Sitting with Ora today, it is clear that Anastasia has a healthy respect for her. They have a strong rapport which has built up over time. Ora says "Anastasia is an amazing girl. In spite of her traumatic story, she is so polite and kind-hearted. Her strength and determination have helped her to turn her life around." Anastasia lists Ora as one of her greatest supports. She is grateful for the unwavering commitment that the Ora's of this world have shown to her. Who knows, they may well have saved her life. At the very least, they've kept her off the streets as Anastasia reflects "I would have been a prostitute if it wasn't for Odyssey House".

Anastasia is just one example of young people that Odyssey House Victoria helps. Our Youth and Family Services Team, whose services spread across Melbourne, hear many stories like Anastasia's on a daily basis. Anastasia has been receiving help from us for over 2 years but the emotional scars will take a lot longer to heal. We will continue to be there for Anastasia for as long as it takes. Currently, Anastasia has been drug-free for 12 months; she continues to talk about her emotional issues and has learnt to manage her anger. After helping to deliver a friend's baby, midwifery is in her sights as a career choice.

Many people in the community think that someone like Anastasia should simply stop using drugs and that she only has herself to blame. Reading Anastasia's story today, I'm sure that you will agree, it's not that simple. The work that we do at Odyssey House Victoria is fundamental in helping people like Anastasia. That's why we are asking you to make a donation to Odyssey House Victoria today. Any contribution that you make helps helps young people at risk and helps us place counsellors at community schools.

Anastasia is positive and optimistic and now believes she has a future. She says "I know I will".Your support will give young people a fresh start in life.

Read more about Anastasia.
Make a gift through Odyssey House Victoria today and help kids at risk.