Baptist Care SA News

Filling cups with hope

Filling cups with hope

As a domestic violence survivor, Alyssa* had experienced trauma, was separated from her family interstate and become socially isolated. 
 

The Clay Cup Café initiative at Rostrevor Baptist Church helped her regain a sense of hope and get her life back on track.  
 

The cafe helps people become more socially connected and learn transferable skills to help them increase their chances of employment.  
 

Feeling broken, Alyssa had little faith in herself and feared judgement when she first stepped into the café. The café’s manager gently helped her build her sense of self-worth by focusing on her strengths and identifying her goals.  
 

As Alyssa’s confidence began to grow, so did the number of hours she worked. She began to build strong friendships with other volunteers and learn practical life skills that helped her feel like she belonged and that she was valued.  
 

I have made some beautiful friendships and learned new skills. The love I have received has given me renewed faith and hope”, she said. 
 

Alyssa has now moved interstate to be reunited with her family, including her children, who she now sees every day. She has started a new life and has her hands full working at a busy local café. 
 

The Clay Cup Café is a Baptist Care SA’s Collaborative Community Project initiative, which is generously funded by the Baptist Care SA Foundation. 
 

*Not her real name.  

Baptist Care SA, lives, works and walks on Kaurna, Peramangk and Boandik lands. We acknowledge Aboriginal people as the state’s first peoples, recognise their traditional ownership, and respect their cultural heritage, beliefs, deep connection and continued guardianship of land and waters. We value the contributions of Elders past and present, and are committed to learning from those emerging.