Richard & Joshua's story

Richard's 9 year old son Joshua has severe cerebal palsy and his wife passed away unexpectedly leaving Richard to be Joshua's sole carer.

Richard ran his own truck driving business but when, despite help from family and friends, respite care options became too scarce, Richard was simply unable to work.

Joshua has difficulty swallowing and was hospitalised several times with Aspiration Pneumonia. He also has very brittle bones and although he was undergoing treatment to improve his bone density, it was costly and time consuming.

Richard found it more and more difficult to pay the bills, put a decent meal on the table and simply face the challenges of day to day living.

Through our disability services team, Windermere was able to provide Richard and Joshua with practical support and referrals to other support agencies.


If you wish to help someone like Richard, then consider making a tax deductible donation today.

Testimonial

Resilience for Life has been nothing short of wonderful for me, and enormously empowering. I am feeling so much more optimistic and confident in myself, my driving and taking care of my husband.

Prue, Program Participant - Melbourne

I understand that every child is individual with different strengths and different ways of learning, By recognising and understanding each child and what it is that they love and how best they learn, I can provide them with the best experiences that help them to reach their full potential in all developmental areas. I love doing it.

Sandra, Windermere Early Childhood Educator - Melbourne

My (Windermere) counsellor has been one of the most important supports I have had throughout this whole process. She is amazing. I now see things from a completely different perspective.

I am on the lookout now too - next time I am in a relationship, I will be able to recognise the signs of domestic violence and I won’t let myself get stuck in that sort of position again.”

Witness, Royal Commission into Family Violence - Melbourne 

I respect each child's individuality and needs and want to help them feel safe and secure so they can grow and learn in a natural environment. The early years are the foundations of learning for the rest of their lives.

Sally, Windermere Early Childhood Educator - Melbourne

(Through Kids on Track) I learnt more about how drugs and alcohol affect our bodies. I don't want to end up the same way as Dad so I can now care for my body and make better decisions than what he did. 

Grade 6 Student, Program Participant - Cranbourne