In a small, dimly lit apartment, Jane*, a 65-year-old mother, sits quietly, her face etched with years of worry and hardship. Her two adult children live with her: a 31-year-old son recently released from prison and a daughter in her late 20s who, like Jane, is cognitively impaired. Jane's life is a daily struggle against poverty, fear, and the persistent threat of violence within her own home.

Jane's son, who is heavily involved in drug abuse, has become a source of terror for both his mother and sister. His violent outbursts and erratic behaviour have left them living in constant fear, too frightened to report him to the police. The situation is further complicated by the fact that Jane's long-time partner, who also lives with them, is abusive towards her. The family dynamics are fraught with danger, and the emotional toll has taken a severe impact on their collective mental health.

Financially, the family is barely surviving. They rely solely on Jane's National Minimum Pension and her daughter's disability pension, which are insufficient to cover their basic needs. Unpaid bills pile up, adding to their anxiety and sense of helplessness. The apartment they live in is technically allocated to Jane's daughter, and according to the rental contract, her brother is not allowed to live there. However, his presence is unavoidable, and the fear of reprisal keeps the family from taking any action.

Amid this fraught situation, the St Jeanne Antide Foundation (SJAF) stepped in to provide the support that Jane and her family so desperately needed. Recognising the complexity of the family's challenges, SJAF adopted a holistic approach to their care, addressing both their immediate needs and the underlying issues that contributed to their ongoing crisis.

Straightaway, SJAF took a first step to alert the police and other relevant organisations about the son's escalating violent behaviour, aiming to protect Jane and her daughter from further harm. The foundation also provided essential in-kind support, including toiletries and food aid, which helped alleviate some of the family's immediate financial burdens.

Understanding that Jane and her daughter needed more than just material support, SJAF workers engaged with the local parish church volunteers to ensure that the family received continuous assistance, even when the foundation's staff were not available. This network of support extended to helping Jane reconnect with her mental health services and accompanying her to medical visits, ensuring she received the care she needed.

SJAF also reached out to state agencies that provide support to elderly persons, seeking additional assistance for Jane and her long-term partner. This comprehensive approach not only addressed the urgent safety concerns but also aimed to improve the overall quality of life for Jane and her family, giving them hope in a seemingly hopeless situation.

The St Jeanne Antide Foundation is a registered non-profit organisation committed to supporting vulnerable individuals and families facing challenging life situations. Rooted in the compassionate mission of the Sisters of Charity of St Jeanne Antide Tourette, SJAF offers professional support services free of charge, ensuring that every person is treated with dignity and care, regardless of their circumstances.

Among the key services provided by SJAF are:

-    Community Social Work: Offering family support through home visits, outreach, advocacy, and emotional support, primarily in the Tarxien, Paola, Fgura, Sta Lucia and Birżebbuġa areas. The service operates through a community-based family services hub called Ċentru Antida in Tarxien;

-    Soar Service: Empowering women survivors of domestic violence through advocacy and peer support, helping them and their children rebuild their lives;

-    Lwien Service: Supporting family caregivers of persons with severe mental health issues with professional guidance, education and consultations;

-    Emotional Freedom Service: Helping individuals manage difficult emotions like anger, fear, and anxiety, and work towards emotional freedom; and

-    Ivy - Interrupting Violence Towards Youth: An online platform standing against domestic and intimate partner violence among youth.

SJAF's approach centres on building trusting, supportive relationships with those they help. A multidisciplinary team, including social workers, mental health professionals and volunteers, works together to create a loving and supportive environment where individuals and families can navigate their challenges with dignity and hope.

Community collaboration is also a cornerstone of SJAF's work. The foundation partners closely with other NGOs and state agencies to maximise the resilience and well-being of those they serve. Contributions from the community, whether through volunteering or donations, are vital in sustaining the free services SJAF offers.

For those who wish to support SJAF's mission, there are several ways to get involved. Donations can be made via BOVPAY 7734 7791 or bank transfer, and there are various volunteering opportunities available. Every contribution, whether large or small, helps SJAF continue to make a meaningful difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families.

As Jane and her family continue their journey toward safety and stability, the support they receive from SJAF serves as a beacon of hope in their darkest hours. Through the foundation's dedicated and compassionate efforts, they are slowly finding the strength to rebuild their lives, one step at a time.

For more information visit www.antidemalta.org

*Name has been changed to retain privacy

St Jeann Antide Foundation are full members of Malta Health Network www.maltahealthnetwork.org