Shabina's Story

Shabina’s ex-husband is a veteran who suffered from PTSD. This, alongside domestic violence, contributed to the breakdown of their marriage.

"After my marriage breakdown, I was lost and broken," Shabina shared.

Her journey with Legacy began in Brisbane in 2015; however, the support available to her at that time was focused on widows only.

Soon after, Shabina and her daughter, Jasmine, relocated to their hometown of Melbourne in 2016.

They faced an extremely challenging transition and came close to homelessness after being abandoned by her family. Shabina and Jasmine, who was six years old at the time, spent the best part of a year sleeping on a fold-out couch at a friend’s home.

It was traumatising, shameful and spirit-breaking.

Shabina could not find a job that would allow her to be there for Jasmine and was barely making ends meet. During this period of financial strain, she completed a Certificate IV in Business, which was offered through a recruitment agent at the time. Shabina also started a small cleaning business, working only during school hours so she could be there for her young daughter. However, the income from this venture was very limited.

Home life was also a source of stress for Shabina. Jasmine was a deeply traumatised and dependent child with extreme anxiety, heightened by feelings of rejection and abandonment.

"Jasmine could not make friends easily and often felt isolated. This was so debilitating for both Jasmine and me," said Shabina.

It was not until 2017 that Shabina and Jasmine’s relationship with Melbourne Legacy began.

"It was such a relief," Shabina recalled. "We received a home visit from our very first case manager, Suzanne. She was so lovely, compassionate and kind. I poured my heart out to her while she sat patiently and listened. It was just what I needed — someone who actually heard me and was willing to help. Before she left, Suzanne handed me two Coles vouchers, which I welcomed enthusiastically."

"Not long after that, I started receiving assistance with Jasmine’s school uniforms and shoes, and we had our very first visit to Point Cook RAAF Base for face painting, a barbecue lunch and a helicopter ride. It was such a memorable and uplifting experience, thanks to Melbourne Legacy!" Shabina shared.

Through tailored support, Legacy empowers families to navigate life’s toughest moments, whether that means easing financial pressure, offering emotional guidance or opening the door to new experiences and meaningful relationships with others on similar journeys.

For Shabina and Jasmine, Legacy’s youth camps have been especially valuable. For Shabina, they have offered peace of mind and pride in seeing her daughter embrace new experiences and friendships, while easing the burden of not being able to provide those opportunities herself.

"I remember the first couple of years back in Melbourne, how Jasmine would feel so hurt and ashamed when other kids would talk about holidays they took with their families over the school break — holidays we could not afford. I felt ashamed, less than, and deeply saddened," Shabina said.

"This all changed when Jasmine went on her very first Legacy youth camp to NSW at the age of nine. She came back so exhilarated and excited. She had met her lifelong friend, Lachie. Every trip after that, I would get asked, “Is Lachie going to be there?” And sure enough, he was. From then on, these trips became Jasmine’s highlight a couple of times a year."

"Jasmine was no longer ashamed. She felt valued and seen. She would tell anyone who would listen about these amazing trips, what she did with her friends and all the things she had learned. It made her more confident, resilient and happier,’ Shabina shared. ‘In turn, it also took away some of my shame."

Legacy has become a vital source of stability in Shabina’s life, and through this support she has built a deeply meaningful bond with her case manager, Kath.

"Partnering with Legacy has been a really positive experience," Shabina emphasised. "Every case manager I’ve had has been compassionate, reliable and understanding. Kath is very special to me. I have shared some very private moments with her that I wouldn’t otherwise share with anyone else. Kath has become more like a friend, and I hold her in high regard. I just love her. She has my utmost respect."

Legacy fosters a strong sense of community and connection for beneficiaries and aims to stand beside veterans’ families with care that is both practical and deeply personal.

"Legacy is one of the biggest parts of our life, outside of church. It has helped us in so many different ways — mentally, emotionally and financially. It’s just been a huge blessing," Shabina expressed.

By supporting Legacy, you can help ensure more families like Shabina and Jasmine’s have access to the care, connection and opportunities they deserve.

"I want to thank Melbourne Legacy and all its donors. I cannot express the deep gratitude I have for the impact you have had on our lives. It has been life-changing. THANK YOU!"