Our Story
From Pain to Purpose: The Story Behind Tanya’s Home
Tanya’s Home Limited was founded by a woman who, at just six years old, was separated from her mother, Tanya, due to her mother’s struggle with addiction. Growing up without her mother’s presence led to deep feelings of isolation and even suicidal thoughts as a young child, ultimately resulting in her own battle with addiction, which began at the age of 13. Her mother, without the support she needed, was unable to break free from addiction, perpetuating a painful cycle.
After achieving 10 years of recovery and becoming a drug and alcohol counsellor, the founder faced devastating challenges—losing her mother to cancer shortly after finally helping her get clean and experiencing the heartbreak of having only a brief time with her mother in recovery. Shortly afterward, family violence and the trauma of her mother’s loss led to a relapse. With no specialised support, she was left to face child protection services alone, receiving no help or understanding—only the removal of her children.
Her children, innocent victims of a broken system, experienced the deep trauma of being separated from their mother. Despite achieving recovery, she faced seemingly insurmountable obstacles from child protection services, who continued to make it impossible for her to regain custody, even as her child struggled with suicidal thoughts. Treated as the problem rather than a mother in need of support, she was left isolated, without advocacy or assistance.
This experience inspired her to establish Tanya’s Home, a charity named in honour of her mother, to provide the support that was missing for them both. Tanya’s Home is committed to creating a safe space where mothers can recover, reunite with their children, and find the advocacy they need to protect their families. We believe that children deserve to grow up with their mothers in stable, loving environments, free from trauma. Through our programs, we strive to bring hope and healing to families, ensuring that future generations are protected from the cycles of trauma and addiction.
