Tee's Story.

CHANGING
THE COURSE.

Trigger warning; this brave story discusses domestic violence, addiction and homelessness.
Please read with care.

“For so many years, I stayed in violent relationships...I thought that was love.

I’ve been around domestic violence my whole life. I grew up fighting all the time. All my cousins watched me go through a lot; I always had black eyes or bruises.

When I was with my last partner, I was also struggling with addiction. I was following the path he was on; everything he used to do, I was right beside him.

But I wanted to break the cycle; I didn’t want my kids going through that anymore. It took a lot to leave, it really did - it’s all I ever known. I had to leave everyone I loved; my whole family was back home.

But I somehow got up and left…and I didn’t look back.

Now, all my little cousins look up to me; one of them even posted on Facebook, saying how proud she was of me, having overcome everything that’s happened. It made me cry.

So I guess I'm a good role model for the young girls back home, too. To see where I used to be to, where I'm at now…they think, “If she could do it, I can do it to.”

I’ve slowly realised, that's not the way you should be treated; nobody deserves to be treated that way. I found that I don't need a partner to feel secure. All I need is to just be the best version of myself - for my children, and for me.

It took me a very long time, but I'm glowing.

If I could send a message to my younger self, I’d tell her she’s a warrior; she's conquered so much in her life.

“I'd tell her that she's the strongest young woman that I've ever seen.”

FOOD
IS LOVE.

Cooking the shelter meals is so amazing. They really are cooked with all the warmth in our heart. I used to be in a shelter; every Friday, I knew the Two Good meals were going to be delivered and I was so excited.

And now we’re the ones who make them, for other women on their own path. One of the newer team mates who just started the program met us the other day, and she realised, “Oh, I've seen your names on the meals at my shelter - I can't believe I’ve had your meal.” She was so excited.

It’s a really big deal - knowing that you’ve created this meal for people that have been through a lot of trauma. Some don't know how to cook, or they can't find that energy - they're going through so much that they just can’t face those daily tasks. So gifting those meals, that are so good and so nutritious, it means a lot.

If I could send a message with my donated meals, I’d want to share something that helped me get through my hardest days:

“Through every dark night is a brighter day.”

WORK WORK.

When I first started, I was in a dark place - but Two Good really lifted me up. Their warmth made me feel valued and supported. With every dish I prepared, I built my self worth. Cooking became more than just a job; it become a reflection of my passion and a reminder that I am capable.

“I felt like a dead, dried flower…but when I came to Two Good, I bloomed.”

I actually started the Work Work program last year, but the timing just wasn’t right. Coming back this time, I did struggle with a lot of shame. I thought that people might look at me different, knowing I didn't complete the program last year.But they said to me, “don't ever feel ashamed. You weren't ready last year.”

Look at me now - I give it my all.

I'm so good in the kitchen, I love it. I'm even a bit of a role model here, the other girls look up to me – I’m really proud of that. It’s a different kind of feeling…it’s amazing.

That's the impact Two Good has made in my life – it’s given me the strength to say that I can do hard things, I can be reliable, I can see things through. I am a hard worker. I am dedicated to my work.

I've learned a lot about myself.

It's been so healing, having my team's back and knowing that I’ve helped them, in some way - I taught them something, or I was just there for them. Even if it’s just doing the dishes that day, I love jumping in to help out.

Two Good really has changed my life. I feel more confident now; I know where I want to go. Three years ago, I couldn't see that far ahead – but I can see a future for myself now. My dream for the future is food; I want to stay in the kitchen, no matter what. I had a chef apprenticeship, so I want to finish that qualification.

I’m not just doing it for me, either; I'm going to work every day for my children. I want my kids to have a mum that works for them, that can provide the stuff they need. As a kid growing up, I never had anything; my mum was never around. So I'm there for my children in any way that I can; I want them to have everything they want.

If anyone was considering the Work Work program, I'd tell them it's an amazing environment. Do your best, and never give up.

“You will find yourself…and you'll love every moment of it.”