After years of instability and emotional strain, 23-year-old Maya* is finally reclaiming her independence. With the help of The Lady Musgrave Trust and a strong support network, she’s created a safer, more stable home for herself and her two daughters – and, for the first time in years, space to plan for the future.
This is her story, in her own words.
When my youngest daughter, Ava, was just three weeks old, I found myself standing on the driveway with all our belongings thrown into garbage bags. My mum had kicked us out again – something she’d threatened before – but this time, it was final. I had my baby in my arms and nowhere to go.
Living under her roof was always tense. She was controlling, unpredictable, and often cruel – not just to me, but to my kids. I tried to stay for the sake of having somewhere clean and familiar, but every return ended the same way. The emotional toll was enormous. I grew up walking on eggshells, and even as an adult, I still felt like I had no voice. Until one day, I finally stood up for myself and said, “Enough.”
After we were kicked out, we moved in with my ex-partner. We were still separated, but I had no other option. It wasn’t my home, and I felt that every day. All my stuff was shoved into a storage unit I couldn’t afford. The place was cramped and, while I did feel safe, I wasn’t comfortable. I was constantly overwhelmed, drained and confused. But I knew I had to find something better – for me and my girls.
I called around looking for help, and eventually I was put in touch with a support service. That’s when I met Kerry, who was just amazing. She listened, reassured me, and told me there was a property available through The Lady Musgrave Trust – I just had to hold on until it was ready.
When I finally moved into my own place in Kelvin Grove, I was terrified. I’d never lived on my own before. My dad had moved away, and I didn’t have much support nearby. But once we settled in, I realised something: I was doing better on my own than I ever expected. I could make decisions. I could create routines. I could breathe.
With the help of my support worker Linda, I set some goals – starting with getting my girls into daycare. It took time, but we got there. It was great for them and a huge relief for me. I could finally get things done, and they were learning and growing in their own space.
Since then, I’ve also started working towards getting my driver’s licence. Through my NDIS plan, I enrolled with a specialist OT driving school and got my Ls. I’m not there yet, but I’m on the way – and that feels good.
The property in Kelvin Grove was small, but it was safe. It was a great place to start and build my confidence in living alone. Now, we’re getting ready to move into a private rental – a three-bedroom place with space for the girls to play and grow. Their dad will be helping out, and we’re trying to co-parent the best we can.
I’ve got big plans for what’s next. I want to go back to study – something in early childhood or community services, maybe. I’ve always loved learning. I did a few traineeships and even a marketing course, but I had to stop when everything at home fell apart. Now I finally feel ready to pick that up again.
When I look back on the past few years, the thing I’m proudest of is standing up for myself. Leaving my mum’s house was the hardest thing I’ve ever done – but also the best. I stopped relying on the wrong people and learned I could build something better on my own.
I wanted to share my story because I know there are other women going through the same thing – feeling stuck, scared, or unsure of how to take the next step. What I’d say to them is this: don’t be afraid to speak up. You don’t have to do it alone. There are people out there like The Lady Musgrave Trust who’ll help you find a way forward – you just have to reach out.
*Names changed for privacy.
