Alkira's Story.

FOOD
IS LOVE.

Trigger warning: this brave story mentions rehab, domestic violence, sexual abuse, mental health challenges and homelessness. Please read with care.

“It all comes down to intention.”

It’s about the time and the effort that goes into making something - if you make something with love and share it with others, it's a very bonding and positive experience.

For my Two Good lunch, I made a slow-cooked pulled pork with a burnt butter and lime corn and salsa. It was like a Mexican-themed smorgasbord. It's a meal I like to make for loved ones. I’ve never made it on that scale before, but just seeing people enjoy every mouthful was so satisfying. So, the intention behind my lunch was sharing love, through food.

Our Two Good lunches - sitting down together and sharing a meal, talking and laughing – it’s such an enjoyable experience. A lot of people don’t have the facilities or the money to create nice food - and they miss out on those kinds of experiences, of connecting and sharing food with love.

I feel like a lot of products these days are just…crap. There’s nothing to them. if you get a store-bought packaged meal, there’s nothing in it that makes you happy to eat it. But the food you get at Two Good is nourishing and healthy.

If I could send a message to the women in the shelters we serve, I’d say, this meal was intentionally made with love for you. There are people out there who really care and are working towards an inclusive society.

There’s a lot of good in this world. Don’t give up.

WORK WORK.

The Work Work program at Two Good has absolutely changed the course of my life.

From a very young age, I endured significant hardships, including trauma from domestic violence and sexual abuse. These experiences led to struggles with addiction, an eating disorder, depression, anxiety, and PTSD. Despite these challenges, I eventually sought help through rehab and extensive therapy, which offered me a glimpse of a better life. However, maintaining sobriety was a long and difficult journey, requiring multiple attempts and a lot of perseverance.

Now, with over a year of sobriety, I'm dedicated to moving forward and building a healthier, more stable life. This commitment involves continuously working on my recovery, embracing new responsibilities, and seeking opportunities for personal and professional growth.

The healing process from trauma and addiction is deeply personal and multifaceted. My experience at Two Good played a significant role in my journey. It provided a safe and nurturing environment where I could develop and grow a sense of confidence in the workplace alongside other women who have faced similar challenges.

I first learned about Two Good when I was in rehab at Detour House in Sydney. Every Thursday, G would drop off beautifully packaged meals, and everyone eagerly anticipated them. Later, friends who went through the Work Work program shared their positive experiences, inspiring me to join. It has been one of the best things I could have done for myself.

There have been so many proud moments while being here. I'm not only proud of my own achievements, but seeing other women grow and see their confidence blossom has been such an incredible, rewarding, and beautiful experience.

I believe there are many women out there who are, or will be, in a similar position – who haven’t worked ‘on paper’ for a long time and don’t know where to start. It can be extremely overwhelming to break that cycle. Programs like Work Work are very important for our communities; they could help change a lot of lives, as they have mine.

“Being shown kindness and being given the opportunity to learn and grow can be - and is - life-changing.”