Saved from Falling through the Cracks

Bobby came to The Salvation Army with a simple request. What he got was dedicated advocacy from staff members which led to a new life filled with hope for the future.

When Bobby went to his local Salvation Army to ask for a pair of shoes, he couldn’t have dreamed how much more he would receive. That one request for help sparked a sequence of events that has transformed his life in many wonderful ways. He happened to leave his wallet at the centre that day, and when staff went to return it, they found him sitting on a bench looking downhearted. ‘They asked me if I felt comfortable to tell them what was really wrong,’ says Bobby. ‘I’d been turned away at lots of different places, but they were offering me their time and patience so I felt I could open up to them.

Staff learned that Bobby, who has cerebral palsy, was in quite a predicament. He was about to be moved on from his accommodation, with just three days before he would be rendered homeless; his support worker had stolen from him; he wasn’t getting the right entitlements to support him; and his electric scooter wasn’t working. The next day, the team set about working on emergency housing and assessing Bobby’s other needs.

Temporary accommodation was secured and work began on finding a permanent solution, as well as helping with other immediate needs, like food deliveries. Bobby’s Salvation Army mentor says, ‘It’s fair to say we didn’t quite know what we were in for the day Bobby walked in. ‘We worked closely with Bobby’s budget advisor, who specialises in disabilities. She was happy to see us helping him as some things had not been adding up. Bobby had been let down by several agencies. Yet, Bobby continues to defy the odds that are placed against him. He’s very driven, motivated and capable.

In a bid to improve his prospects, Bobby had asked if The Salvation Army could help him find work. Before long he was training for his forklift operator licence, which he passed with flying colours. ‘This qualification opens up a working future for me,’ says Bobby. 

One of the biggest changes in Bobby’s life came organically. Having long yearned for a greater sense of whānau, Bobby discovered that two local men, whom he’d previously met, were actually his uncles. As they talked about their lives, Bobby explained that he was being helped by The Salvation Army and was due to be moving into permanent housing.

One of his uncles said he could go one better, and invited Bobby to live with him and has taken over his care. Bobby is delighted that life is more settled and has signed up to volunteer with his local Salvation Army Family Store. ‘When I think of where I was at the start of this journey, and where I am now, the feeling is amazing,’ he says. ‘I can get out and do things now.’