Every year Brisbane Youth Services works with thousands of young people and their children, assisting them to overcome challenges and achieve life goals. Here are some of their inspiring stories..
Raven, originally from the Gold Coast, became homeless her infant needed critical care at a Brisbane hospital and she had nowhere to sleep for months. BYS became the only constant in her life through the challenging times to follow.
Homeless, hopeless, and alone, with a physical disability affecting less than 1% of the population – James didn’t think there was reason to hope before coming to BYS.
Shannon’s experience has inspired her to help future generations of young people know they are not alone and to encourage them to seek support.
With support from a Young Families worker, Fotina overcame parenting challenges and found renewed belief in herself and an inspired direction for the future of her young family.
Sleeping rough and using alcohol to cope with life, Lucy’s world looked grey before a doctor’s referral to BYS began a journey of self-discovery and transformation.
Xander was erratic and struggled with self-worth before engaging with a range of supporters across Brisbane Youth Service.
With determination in the face of adversity and support and advocacy from Phoenix House, Kate achieved remarkable personal and academic results despite experiencing homelessness in the final years of high school.
In the care of Child Safety from 9 months old, Jacob took some time to develop trust when he first arrived at Brisbane Youth Service aged 18. 10 months on, he has become a role model to fellow residents and wants “to give back to other young people what I have received at Phoenix House – HOPE!”