Helping the Families of Veterans Start the school Year Strong

Melbourne Legacy stands beside families during the vulnerable back-to-school time and remains a continued support throughout the year. Case workers help to ease the burden, financially and emotionally, when it becomes overwhelming for families. 

Case worker, Michelle, sees firsthand how back-to-school stress can put families under financial strain. 

“Being able to provide long term case management, we build an understanding of our family's situations and stress points. It allows us to be able to reach out at key times of the year that we know cause high financial pressures, like back-to-school time, which falls right after Christmas”.

For many families, the greatest support Legacy offers shines through in the relationships built with case workers. Life can be incredibly isolating for families of veterans, especially when ongoing court cases or safety concerns mean they cannot publicly celebrate milestones like a child’s first day of school. Moments that should be joyful are often experienced quietly, in isolation. 

“It’s not only about being able to provide financial assistance to help cover the costs of books and uniforms. We also provide emotional support through check ins. Being able to wish a family good luck on their first day of school, whether it be the start of prep, high school or a new school and having them share the joy back is important. Some of our families are unable to publicly celebrate these milestones, as they can't use social media due to family violence, so they will often respond with first day photos and any antidotes of first day nerves, tears and new friendships” Michelle highlights.  

For some single parents who may experience heightened pressure at this time of year, Legacy helps carry both the practical load and the mental weight.  

“Depending on the situation, for some families, if they're on the brink of going to go into a refuge or packing and moving house because of safety concerns, I can take the load and say to them, just send me the school book list, leave this with me, I can then liaise with the schoolbook provider or whoever it might be, and I can do that thinking and stress for you.” Michelle explains. 

Beyond meeting immediate needs, Legacy is committed to helping children of veterans thrive. Working closely with Legacy Australia, Melbourne Legacy ensures through grants and opportunities, that children are given access to experiences that help shape their future for the better including exchange programs and educational opportunities that foster their ambition. 

“If Legacy wasn’t there to support some of the children, it might mean they don't get to pursue their dreams and talents and for others it might be the risk of falling out of the school system altogether” Michelle emphasises. 

Last financial year Melbourne Legacy invested approximately $80,000 on assisting 70 beneficiaries across 40 families with education costs. Alongside this aid, Case workers dedicate 15% of their time to maintaining constant communication with families to ensure that they are receiving the help and care they need. 

The support Melbourne Legacy receives from donors is what makes this care possible. 

By supporting Legacy, you help ensure children of veterans have the stability, encouragement, and belief they need to take on the school year with confidence. Not just to get through the school year, but to dream bigger and build brighter futures.