“The strength of YFS is in the relationships it has with people, the trust that the community has in the organisation, and the organisation’s ability to work together to make change because lasting change only happens through those processes.”
“My girls have seen me bounce back, with a bit of support. [My YFS worker], she really had my back. She guided me and had a huge impact.”
“Seeing colleagues and staff members evolve in their professional development – it is really satisfying, such a win-win scenario.”
“I don’t ever want a child to feel isolated and different because they can’t access the same things as other kids…these kids are our future and I want all of them to know the world is full of love and opportunity.”
“I think the thing that always amazed me was how resilient the people that we were supporting were. They’d get up and try again when things went wrong, they'd find ways to make things work, and with our help they could find really positive, effective ways.”
“There’s no border for someone who is experiencing homelessness. So you really need to be collaborating across areas to make sure people don’t have to start all over again.”
“I keep coming back to YFS. They really listen to your story and understand the angle you’re coming from.”
“That transference of expert advice from these young mums who have lived experience of disadvantage and housing instability and domestic violence…it has led to this solution.”
“For anyone who’s out there in the same situation, it’s so scary. But I would definitely recommend SHINE. It’s a really good way to escape. They’re totally supportive in every way you could possibly think of.”
“YFS has been a big, big support for me. I never felt like I had anyone on my side, I always felt like everyone was against me. As a parent, as a person.”