At the heart of flourishing communities
Rhondie Koolatah was tragically removed from his family to be placed in an institution in South East Qld when he was a young child.
When Life Without Barriers found out Rhondie had not been home for 20 years, our team worked to reconnect him with his Kin and Country.
After a very long journey, Rhondie was welcomed home with a special fire, a water blessing and Ochre ceremony by Michael Yam, the Mayor of Kowanyama Aboriginal Shire Council.
Watch as Rhondie returns to camp on Olkola Country with his Mob.
https://www.lwb.org.au/news/our-country-heals-us-rhondie-returns-home/ Leichhardt A rose with two Dads
Carers *Jamie and Stephen recently welcomed a child into their family: baby Rose.
Jamie says that their road to becoming parents as a same-sex couple was ‘a bit of a unique one’.
Rose, who arrived in Jamie and Stephen’s care at 22 days old, has Down Syndrome and a range of medical diagnoses meaning she needs special care.
Rose spent her first weeks of life in an Intensive Care Unit. She couldn’t bottle feed and had to be tube-fed and be connected to a lot of medical equipment.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people we help.
Photo by Gabby Orcutt on Unsplash.
https://www.lwb.org.au/news/making-a-difference-in-childrens-lives-with-foster-c… Newcastle Jane finds her synergyJane* was struggling with significant depression and anxiety while living with a hearing impairment.
She was referred to Life Without Barriers’ #synergy program, a youth mental health program for young people aged 12-25.
Throughout the #synergy program, Jane engaged in regular face-to-face therapeutic psychological support to practice and implement the skills she needed to build confidence and get out into the community.
Since receiving support from Life Without Barriers, Jane says her self-confidence has grown enormously. She even participated in a voluntary work program called Troublesmiths and gave a 10-minute speech at her Year 10 school leaver’s celebration.
*Name has been changed to protect the privacy of the people we work with.
Photo by Simon Maage on Unsplash.
https://www.lwb.org.au/about-us/annual-reports/year-in-review/ Adelaide Eight is Sasha's lucky number
Life Without Barriers, foster mum Sasha says that the decision to foster all came down to one child: *Aaron.
Prior to becoming foster parents, *Sasha and her partner *Aiden worked in a disability care in a group home; first as shift workers and later as house parents.
A Department of Communities and Justice (DCJ) representative approached them about fostering one of the children in the home. That was in 2013.
Nine years later, the couple fosters eight children, including Aaron. Sacha’s in-laws live with them so there are twelve people living in their home. Her father-in-law helps run the kids around which is a big help.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people we help.
Photo by Matt Silveira on Unsplash.
https://www.lwb.org.au/news/making-a-difference-in-childrens-lives-with-foster-c… Hume Mentors making all the difference
Like many children of immigrants, Ahmad has straddled two worlds. His parents settled here from Iraq. They struggled with a new language and culture. When Ahmad was seven, his father died from lung cancer. His mother had to raise five children with little money and few skills to help with his schooling.
'My family wasn’t the well-off type,' Ahmad says. 'Looking back, I’m quite shocked at how my mother managed. It must have been very hard when she didn’t understand the language.'
'I remember The Smith Family always being by my side when I was a little kid in primary school. It helped Mum a lot.'
In high school, Ahmad needed help with career planning and higher education. He wanted to be a lawyer but his network was small and no one he knew could give careers guidance.
That’s why iTrack made such a difference. Over 18 weeks, Ahmad got study and career advice from his mentor, Steven, a lawyer. Through our secure online chat program, Steven gave Ahmad input on his post-school plans. He helped Ahmad work towards his goal of university.
Ahmad loved that he could ask Steven any questions about the corporate world. His mentor was so friendly and approachable.
“iTrack was fun, it was a great experience,”
Ahmad is now 20 and in the last year of a Bachelor of Business degree. He didn’t get the HSC marks for law, but Ahmad isn’t letting that stop him from continuing to pursue his dream.
Ahmad recently finished a business development and marketing internship at King & Wood Mallesons law firm. This was through its School of Opportunity partnership with The Smith Family. It gave him real world experience in both business and law – and a valuable chance to see which he wants to pursue as a career. And it helped that his iTrack mentor has shared what to expect in a big firm.
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/programs/learning-clubs General ‘My kids have so many more opportunities thanks to being sponsored through The Smith Family.’'When we first started on the Learning for Life program, I was a full-time single mum and we’d just returned to Sydney to live with my dad. It was hard times, and the support was a life saver.
My son Jason, who has behavioural issues, started Learning for Life in kindy, and my daughter Imogen started in Year 1. They’re 10 and 11 now, and The Smith Family has supported them that whole time. My youngest daughter Cassidy is only three and will start the program when she starts school. But she never gets left out. She still gets books at Christmas from The Smith Family and all that, just like the other kids.
That’s the great thing about the Smith Family. They don’t forget anyone in the family.
Learning for Life has saved me so much stress. It’s such a relief to know my kids needs can be met. I can now afford textbooks and uniforms for them. My kids can get involved in sports and have more opportunities at school. And I’d never have been able to afford to send my kids on excursions without that extra support.
Learning for Life has given my kids courage and confidence, and it’s helped me fund them to go further with their education. To the wonderful people who make this program possible, I’d like to say thank you for the opportunities you’ve given my children.'
Courtney, Learning for Life mother
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/programs/learning-clubs General Bringing the joy back into Jack’s educationMusic had been a big part of 10 year old Jack’s life since his childhood. But after his dad died tragically in a cabin fire, the melody went silent.
‘Mum had the monumental task of raising four kids on a single income, while grieving the loss of her lifelong partner.’
Jack already had a Smith Family sponsor. But as he grew older and watched his mum battle, he could now see just how critical that support truly was. It was the only way she could afford his school lunches, uniforms, supplies and music textbooks.
At school, Jack was struggling to find his rhythm. There were many times he wished to leave. He felt different to the others; like an “outcast”. What helped him was his sponsor, who supported his music passion. They sent encouraging letters and their financial support helped pay for music lessons.
'I remember writing to my sponsor. It felt surreal that someone wanted to help me,' says Jack.
'Their support reminded me no matter what my classmates said, I did belong there and had a right to learn. It brought colour back into my learning. It gave me the space to follow my dream of music.
Jack’s mum also loved her regular check-ins with his Learning for Life Coordinator, Judy, which were made possible through sponsorship support. Judy linked Jack and his family with learning and mentoring programs.
Hard work, determination – and support from his sponsor – meant Jack finished Year 12. Jack’s sponsor continues to be there for him at university, where he is studying for a Bachelor of Music.
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/programs/learning-clubs General Reading support grows confidenceWhen we connected with The Smith Family about five years ago, neither me or my partner were employed at the time.
It was a really big sigh of relief. Being on a Centrelink payment, the cost of living, plus everything for two kids at school and a new baby, was a lot of stress.
If we didn't have [the sponsorship], the kids may not have had as many supplies for school. They wouldn’t have had that confidence to be who they wanted to be or to interact with other children as much as they did.
Two of my kids have done the Student2Student reading program because they were falling behind in their reading level. I would get frustrated reading with them, and it was hard for me to help them.
Student2Student really boosted the kids' confidence in reading out loud and in front of people. Because it was another child that was reading with them, I think they didn't feel as pressured into having to get it right. They ended up doing a lot better than when they felt pressured by an adult.
The whole Learning for Life program, with the funding and having the ability to buy my kids a new uniform that’s the right size and has logos makes them feel included - that's a big boost for their confidence as well.
I'm grateful for the opportunities our Smith Family sponsors have given my family and children.'
Krystal, Learning for Life mother
Picture: Paul Jeffers, The Age
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au/programs/learning-clubs General 'When you have someone in your corner who believes in you, it makes a big difference.'‘I grew up in a massive household, I have 10 siblings. I am the middle child and mum did a great job bringing us up as a single parent,’ says Tareeque.
‘I wanted to study medicine because growing up no one asked me what I really wanted. I think a lot of people just assume children don’t know what they want and that is a false notion. I want to be the guy that listens to children and asks them ‘what do you want?’ and helps to give them a voice. I want to let children and young people know that if you work hard, with a bit of hard work and perseverance, you can escape the mold society wants to put you in.’
Tareeque was matched with his sponsors at The Smith Family when he was in primary school and they supported him up right up until he finished his undergraduate course.
‘The Smith Family didn’t only give me the motivation to pursue my goals, it was also the fact someone looked past my background and believed in me enough to help me out. When you have someone in your corner who believes in you, it makes a big difference and not just in your academic life. For me, knowing someone believed in me, made me realise that it can actually happen.’
https://www.thesmithfamily.com.au General Care and community rev up to re-ignite a love for lifeTerry’s eyes glisten when he thinks about his motorbike adventures over the years but sadly, his riding days came to a sudden halt when Terry was diagnosed with advanced multiple sclerosis.
Caring for Terry required Lyn’s full-time attention. When she connected with Bronwyn and Jane from Mission Australia, she was relieved and grateful for the extra support. Bronwyn and Jane, part of our Local Area Coordination teams, help people living with a disability find relevant services.
As a motorcycle enthusiast herself, Bronwyn understood Terry’s love for riding. Noticing Terry’s declining mental health, Bronwyn and Jane set out to help Terry regain his confidence and spark his love for life again using his Harley Davidson bike.
With help from the Fleurieu Peninsula Riding Group, the pair began crafting a surprise ride for Terry in the side caddy of a Harley Davidson.
The opportunity to feel the wind on his face again was like a breath of fresh air.
‘I think it's blown away five years of cobwebs out of his brain and settled him back down.’
‘Terry looks so much better,” says Lyn. ‘He was actually sitting up really straight in his wheelchair, which is very rare, and he just has a constant smile on his face.’
Lyn said the adventure was the breath of fresh air they both needed.
https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/stories/people-and-communities/ride-of-a-lif… Mayo Alone and homeless, Ivy finds a safe home in her final daysFor most of her life, Ivy was a stay-at-home mum so when her marriage fell apart, she had no superannuation or job skills to rely on.
Ivy spent 20 years anxious, afraid and alone sleeping in the tunnel of a train station. Sadly, Ivy’s story of hardship is not unique.
Approaching her 80th birthday, Ivy suffered a serious bout of pneumonia which led to her hospitalisation. The hospital staff referred Ivy to Charles Chambers Court, one of Mission Australia’s residential aged-care facilities, providing vulnerable older people with a safe and caring environment.
At Charles Chamber Court, Ivy gradually settled into a haven where she received regular, nutritious meals, hot showers, her own toilet, a warm bed and 24-hour medical care.
In the remaining years of her life, Ivy was able to experience warmth and support, becoming a much-loved part of our community.
*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the people we help.
https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/stories/safe-homes/finding-ivy-a-safe-home-i… Sydney From devastated and homeless to a full time job and dreams of owning her own homeGrowing up in difficult family circumstances, Rebecca* found schoolwork challenging. She was also balancing studies while caring for her younger siblings and maintaining a part-time job.
At 16, Rebecca experienced a violent situation at home. She was devastated to leave behind her younger sisters but without any other choice, she fled for safety. She turned to an aunt who was also homeless and the pair spent several months moving between different family members’ homes.
'I didn’t know where I would be staying or what would happen, or if I went to school if I could go back to the same house,' Rebecca said.
It was Rebecca’s school that connected her with Mission Australia’s Youth Accommodation and Support Service (YASS) in Perth. Here she found help to learn independent living skills, a safe place to stay and, most importantly, support through the final year of high school.
Rebecca now has a full-time job and looks forward to owning her own home one day.
'At the moment work takes up a lot of my time, but that is kind of adding to my dream of owning a house one day,' she said. 'I’ve never really had anywhere stable to live and my mum never owned a place. Something I really want is to own a house so I know my kids and my grandkids, eventually, will have somewhere that they know is going to be home.'
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people we help.
https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/stories/safe-homes/overcoming-homelessness-y… Perth A champion for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander internsFor the past four years, Life Without Barriers has partnered with CareerTrackers to provide paid internships for a number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students.
At the CareerTrackers’ gala awards, Leoni Lippitt, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Lead for Queensland was named Intern Manager of the Year.
Leoni was nominated by intern, Daniel Chilly, who spoke eloquently about the inspirational leadership provided during his journey.
'Aunty Leoni is a strong, proud Torres Strait Islander woman who strives to find safe, inclusive spaces for employees and people supported within Life Without Barriers and the broader community,' said Daniel.
https://www.lwb.org.au/about-us/annual-reports/year-in-review/ Brisbane ‘I’m no longer homeless.’Mission Australia was there when Roxy needed help getting her life on track.
Roxy began 2021 living in a tent behind a community centre in Coffs Harbour, NSW. Separated from her children, she was addicted to painkillers and everything she owned was in plastic bags. Fast forward and Roxy’s life has changed beyond recognition.
‘I decided I was going to live, not just exist,’ says Roxy.
'This time last year I had nothing. Now I have two-bedroom home, a yard-filled with frangipanis, a puppy and my children spent Christmas in my new home'
'I cried when I was given the keys. I can look at myself in the mirror again and be proud.’
https://www.missionaustralia.com.au/a-thriving-community-in-coffs-harbour Cowper Sharon accepts the foster care challengeFor Sharon*, being a foster carer has been challenging, but she’s grateful to have made such a difference in the lives of the children she cares for.
Sharon’s journey as a foster carer began when 11-year-old Alana* joined her family. Now aged 18, Alana continues to live with Sharon as a member of her family. She later welcomed Jackson*, now 14 years old.
Sharon says that one of the most rewarding parts of being a foster carer is seeing first-hand the changes that happen for children when they have a nurturing and stable home environment.
*Names have been changed to protect the identity of the people we help.
Photo by Nathan Dumlao on Unsplash.
https://www.lwb.org.au/news/making-a-difference-in-childrens-lives-with-foster-c… Robertson