Josh's New Start

Hi everyone,

My name is Teresa and I have the pleasure of being a girlfriend to one of the bravest and most resiliant people on the planet.

Joshua was abused since his early childhood days. He has been beaten, shot at, stabbed, sexually assaulted, sexually abused, thrown out into the streets and much more. From facing constant neglect to living homeless on the streets, Joshua has overcome a series of mental and physical struggles. 

He is currently living with his mother who unfortunatley is toxic for him. The groceries never get done because the money is always spent on drugs so he goes most days without a meal. He doesn't have money to fix his teeth which are hurting and chipped. He can't move out because he does not earn enough and to make matters worse, he is being physically abused at home too. The house istself is a cesspool of dirt and uncleanliness.  He was sleeping on an old  5cm high foam mattress that was decaying and breaking apart until I gave him one of mine. He has been living like this for years. Joshua is attempting to go back and finish year 12 so he can then go on to Uni. 

With negative $19.00 in his account, things are not looking up. Centrelink will not grant him a claim as he is living with his mother and she earns too much to fit in the guidelines. He has a list of internal bodily injuries that he needs check-ups on yet can not afford it. He broke his spine a few years ago and it is starting to give him problems again which is making us all concerned but our hands are tied here. 

A miracle occured a couple of nights ago. A kind hearted couple reached out to me and offered Joshua a place to stay, free of rent and free of expenses. He would most likely be sleeping on their couch or a mattress if they get a one bedroom apartment and already that will do wonders for him. If they end up with a 2 bedroom apartment he will have the luxury of having his own room. This will be the start of his new life, we are eternally grateful to this couple who have also offered him a part time job at a fast-food outlet. 

The issue of money still remains. He will work all the days he can, he does not slouch off and doesn't believe in taking sick days. He is a hard worker but he also is enrolled to study now. Joshua wants to be able to not only chip in as much as he can with the rent and expenses, but also have enough savings to move out on his own eventually. Going back to his mother is not an option anyone is preparing to allow, he is suffering too greatly both physically and mentally.

It would mean the world to us if you could spare any change at all to helping his cause. The money raised will be spent on helping the generous couple out with rent and expenses (if they will accept payment), medical expenses, food, a new pair of shoes and educational costs. 

This means so much Joshua, he is finally regaining a sense of hope and a new beginning. We will be eternally grateful for even the smallest donation. Every dollar counts. Every cent is a step closer to giving a very deserving 19 year old boy a shot at a normal life.

Thank you for listening to his story and if you have even a few dollars to spare, we would greatly appreciate your donation.