“I landed in Sydney, and for the first time in my life, I felt safe,” she says. “That feeling of knowing no one could hurt me, that my children would be okay, it meant everything.”
Born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and raised in Uganda after fleeing conflict as a young child, Immaculate carried heavy memories of loss and grief. Her return to Congo earlier this year, for the first time since 1998, brought it all back. Visiting her father’s grave, seeing the place where her childhood home once stood. “It was very emotional – so much had changed… and yet the pain was still there.”
Building a new life in Australia hasn’t always been easy, especially raising three children such a long way from her the support of her family. But that changed when she discovered the New and Emerging Communities Program (NECP), a collaboration between Uniting Communities, Anglicare, and Communities for Children (funded by Department of Social Services).
NECP is designed to help people who’ve recently arrived in Australia find their footing – offering practical support, information sessions, and activities that build skills and confidence. Just as importantly, it creates spaces for connection, so families can meet others who understand what it’s like to start over.
Immaculate’s daughter, who loves arts and crafts, was thrilled to join the NECP’s school holiday activities, run in partnership with Carclew.
“It’s so hard to find something that’s free, fun, and meaningful when you have a big family. Especially now with how tough things are financially,” Immaculate says. “This program doesn’t just keep my kids entertained – it gives them joy, creativity, and a sense of belonging.”
And for Immaculate, it was a reminder that community can be built, even when you’re far from home.
“I met people I hadn’t seen in years. We reconnected. That’s what community is about.
This program reminded me we can still build that here.”
Her story is echoed by others. Abi, who moved from Nigeria, says NECP changed everything when her family relocated to Adelaide’s north.
“It’s helped us settle in. We met people, connected, and felt like we belong here,” she says.
Similarly for Rita, newly arrived from Ghana, the program turned daunting school holidays into colour and laughter for her five-year- old daughter. And Susan, who’s been in Australia for 15 years, says it’s what finally helped ease the loneliness that marked her early years of settlement.
At the heart of the program is Cissy, Uniting Communities’ NECP Coordinator, whose warmth has drawn families from across the world to be part of something bigger than themselves. With patience and care, she’s woven strangers into neighbours, and helped transform a new country into a home.
Inspired by Cissy and the sense of connection NECP has helped reignite, Immaculate has begun to reimagine her future. Although she’s worked as a laboratory technician at the Women’s and Children’s Hospital for more than a decade, she’s now studying community services with a dream of supporting and empowering other families like hers.
“I love people I love hearing their stories and connecting with them,” she says.
“When you come to a new country, everything feels foreign. If I can help make someone feel a little less alone, a little more confident, then that’s something I want to do – not just for them, but for the community we’re all part of.”
Her experiences, both painful and hopeful, have given her a deep sense of empathy and purpose. “I know what it feels like to start over, to feel invisible. I want to be the kind of person who sees others, listens, and helps them find their feet.”
The NECP program helped her feel seen. Now, she wants to do the same for others.
“This is home now.
And I want to help build a community where people feel safe, connected, and supported.
Just like I did.”
