Chenoa’s story  

“Her Santa bag is so special”

21-year old Chenoa grew up in a home with a lovely and supportive mother and grandparents, but her father was abusive. Chenoa remembers a happy childhood: however she moved out of home when she was 17 years old.

At age 19, she had a baby boy, who is currently in care. Now aged 21 years and determined not to give up her new baby, Ellie, Chenoa arrived at Grainger Grove. A residential family care programme run by the Anglican Trust for Women and Children (ATWC), Grainger Grove enables young mothers to make a fresh start and learn new ways of caring for themselves and their children. 

Chenoa will live at Grainger Grove for at least nine months, in her own unit with a bedroom, living room and bathroom. The mums and children prepare meals themselves and eat together in a communal kitchen. During the day the mums attend group therapy and classes such as ‘Mellow Parenting’ and ‘Talking Matters’, which teaches them the impact of the way they talk to their children.  

Chenoa says that Grainger Grove has given a precious opportunity to learn how to be a good parent, and she recommends it for other mums wanting to get their children back. “You learn so much while you are here. There are no other distractions – just you and your child – so it’s a great opportunity to learn new skills and to make changes.”

Chenoa has many wonderful memories of Christmas from her childhood. “We usually went to my grandparents and it was a really happy day. My hope for Ellie is that her Christmases will be filled with special memories and surrounded by her family.” 

This will be Ellie’s first Christmas, which she will celebrate with her mum at Grainger Grove. “Her Santa bag with her name on it is so special,” says Chenoa. “I hope that she’ll keep it forever and it will remind her of many happy memories together at Christmastime.”

Ellie was the littlest star of our recent photo shoot held at ATWC, where Grainger Grove is based – thank you Chenoa and Ellie!