Melissa

𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐦𝐞 𝐬𝐭𝐮𝐝𝐢𝐨𝐬 𝐰𝐢𝐥𝐥 𝐦𝐚𝐭𝐜𝐡 𝐞𝐯𝐞𝐫𝐲 𝐫𝐮𝐠 𝐬𝐨𝐥𝐝, 𝐛𝐲 𝐝𝐨𝐧𝐚𝐭𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐚 𝐩𝐢𝐞𝐜𝐞 𝐟𝐫𝐨𝐦 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐜𝐭𝐢𝐨𝐧 𝐭𝐨 𝐅𝐮𝐫𝐧𝐢𝐬𝐡𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐅𝐮𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞𝐬. ⁠

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The Melissa rug is named after an alias chosen by a Furnishing Futures beneficiary. Every design is paired with a personal reflection from its namesake, sharing how receiving a healing home has helped restore confidence, safety and dignity…

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“When I was first offered a home, I couldn't believe it was really happening. I don't think it actually hit me until the day I moved out of the refuge. It was surreal...no waiting or sharing with others - it was just us. Knowing the new property wasn't painted and didn't have flooring, white goods or furniture was very daunting and incredibly overwhelming. Not being able to provide my daughter with the basic home necessities, isn't something I wish on any mother...I felt very depressed. It was hard to remain optimistic about something so wonderful when you have the added worry about finances. I don't even like to think about how I would have managed without the support of Furnishing Futures, in all honesty. The larger items like beds, sofa, flooring and even the blinds - I probably would've gone without until I could save up... Receiving support with flooring, decorating and furniture took away any anxiety or worry that I had. It allowed me to fully surrender and trust that I am in safe hands with people who want to help. I have been able to use this time to focus on myself and my daughter. If I didn't have this support I don't know where I'd be now.

Every time we come home from nursery, without fail, when I open the front door she says "wooooooow' - which is amazing, especially as she is autistic and non verbal. The fact she is able to express her happiness vocally warms my heart and makes me so proud...

Everything from the flooring, to the blinds has made me feel so worthy of all the beautiful things I have been blessed with... I truly feel as though I am standing in an answered prayer.”

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