There were no dry eyes in the room as six women told their stories of life-changing events with the Sustaining Economic Empowerment and Dignity Project.
The women of the SEED Project completed Changemakers, a six-week course on volunteering, public speaking and politics for women.
Bec Poppleton, Nytarra Buckley, Jane (not her real name) and three other women are the first graduates of the course.
The graduation ceremony was on Tuesday, November 28, at the SEED hub at 47 Anglesey St, Seymour.
“I feel proud of what I’ve achieved in the last six weeks,” Ms Poppleton said.
“I think I’ve achieved a lot more in the last six weeks than some people have in the last few years of their lives.
“I feel like I’ve come full circle after completing this course.”
Before the course, each woman said they were in the darkest moments of their life, struggling with depression, anxiety and domestic violence.
Jane is a survivor of domestic violence, and she said the SEED hub was like a home.
“Every course that I attended here for the six weeks was just so much to give me that encouragement to make me feel that ‘yes, I am alive’,” she said.
Despite her past circumstances, she has been busy with studies and hopes to finish her degree at RMIT University.
Ms Buckley was a volunteer with the SES and had to step away because of injuries and chronic pain before being a part of this group.
“I really had nothing left to give, but coming here changed all of that,” she said.
“I knew that there were people who had the time and could help me and wanted to help me.
“I didn’t feel like a burden.”
Ms Buckley said the project changed her life, knowing she was not alone and her ideas were heard.
Now that they have graduated, the women have big plans.
“I quickly learned that being the youngest in our group, there was a big disconnect between the technology of our generations,” Ms Buckley said.
“They don’t understand that what most people view as lazy, sitting around on a game all day ... those kids are learning necessary skills for our future.
“We’re not being lazy; we just learned differently, so I’m hoping to continue to bridge that gap.”
Meanwhile, Jane and Ms Poppleton said they were excited to stay in touch with SEED while continuing their endeavours.
“I just can’t wait for that moment where I’m gonna see the light of day again,” Jane said.
“I’m going to continue my Brotherhood of Saint Laurence volunteer digital literacy,” Ms Poppleton said.
“I will continue to advocate for the SEED wherever, whenever I can.”