Helping abuse survivors build their lives from the ground up

Committed. Dedicated. Confident

When it was time for Bev Lange to move on from her position as General Manager of the Stepping Out Program, she was so committed to the charity that she stayed on as a volunteer.
Stepping Out supports women who have experienced childhood sexual abuse; aiding their recovery and empowering them to achieve independence.
Many survivors have long-term mental illness and social problems and the the Leichhardt-based Stepping Out caseworkers help them access doctors and psychologists and connect them with support agencies that can provide basic needs such as housing.
“It’s practical work,” says Bev. “We help people build their lives from the ground up.”
Bev chairs the fund-raising committee and oversees marketing. She is also a driving force behind a social inclusion group that meets on Fridays.
She says being voted a Westfield local hero is humbling and exciting. “It’s reassuring when the work you do quietly and privately is recognised by others. I have been fortunate in my life. I have a good family and good friends. Some of the women who come to Stepping Out don’t have any of those things.”
She shares an example of a survivor in her sixties who was recently referred for help.
“She was receiving treatment for a serious medical condition and was living in her car. Within a month, we had secured her accommodation and connected her with support services. Today, she presents a very different picture.”
Westfield Local Heroes are nominated and voted for by their communities, with the three top finalists per Westfield centre each awarded a $10,000 grant for their affiliated organisation. Stepping out will use its grant to extend its social inclusion group.
“Many clients experience extreme social isolation. It will make a tangible difference because it will allow us to broaden our footprint to different areas and help us pay for outings and guest speakers,” says Bev, a recipient of the Centenary of Federation Medal.
She has held many high-profile community positions. These include being President of the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras and a directorship at NSW Council of Social Services.

__For further information on the Westfield Local Heroes program, click here. __