Hear from our past and present young people and how Lighthouse Foundation has helped shaped their futures.
Celebrating
35years
This year, we celebrate 35 years of changing young lives, supporting more than 1,500 vulnerable babies, children and young people to find safety, stability and a place to belong.
LOOKING BACK: THOUGHTS FROM OUR COMMUNITY
“When I was 18, I was 38 weeks pregnant and homeless.
Even now, that feels hard to say out loud. After years of struggling with substance abuse, I had completed a rehabilitation program because I wanted to prepare myself for motherhood. But when that chapter ended, I still had nowhere to live and no real support around me. I was about to have a baby, and both our futures felt incredibly uncertain.
Not long after, I was referred to Lighthouse and welcomed into the Young Parents and Babies Program. That changed everything.
At first, it was hard. Learning to live with structure again, and allowing someone else to care for me, didn’t come easily. I wasn’t used to that. But for the first time in a long time, I felt safe. Slowly, I began to settle into life at Lighthouse. Then my son, Kyle, was born, and with the support of my carers and psychologists, I started to find my feet as a mum. Their care was consistent, thoughtful, and steady. Day by day, that helped me begin to see the world differently. For so long, I hadn’t known what healthy, trustworthy relationships looked like. At Lighthouse, I started to learn that they were real.
I formed a strong attachment with Kyle and learnt the vital parenting skills I needed to care for him and, just as importantly, to care for myself. Every day, I gained more confidence as a parent, and the support I received gave me hope for a future I hadn’t dared to imagine.
I’ve now transitioned into independent living, and for the first time I feel hopeful about what’s ahead.
I’m so proud of how far Kyle and I have come in the first years of his life. Lighthouse gave us the safety, support, and guidance we needed, and I know that both of us will always have a place to call home there if we ever need it.”
*Name and image changed for privacy.
“My time in Lighthouse wasn’t all sunshine and rainbows. I had two stints of time there, and didn’t really appreciate it the first time. I took myself out of Lighthouse because I couldn’t stand the interaction with others, and the expectations that I would do my share and cooperate. I hated anyone telling me what to do.
Looking back now, I can see how I was completely thrown by that. I had never had that kind of upbringing where people had expectations of me. Things had been chaos, and people didn’t pay attention to each other, or me. As a kid, I had nobody telling me what to do. But that was because nobody actually cared what I did.
It was all a bit of a disaster when I tried to manage on my own, and I spiralled out of control into all kinds of trouble. I asked if I could try again at Lighthouse, because they have the On For Life program, and I was relieved they gave me a second chance. I still struggled with maintaining long-term relationships with my main carers but it didn’t melt down to the point I felt I needed to move out again.
I worked towards so many goals while I was in Lighthouse the second time. I attended tertiary education for the first time and gained a qualification in the area I wanted to work, after missing almost all of high school. I gained my first consistent employment at the service where I did my student placement, I got my license and a car, started managing my drug and alcohol desires and built secure and safe relationships with a bunch of caring people within the organisation that I still maintain a year after having moved on.
And I think the best of all, I finally found myself having moments of happy boredom. After years and years of chaos, turbulence and despair, I finally found myself having quiet days of reflection where I could just enjoy small, beautiful moments like sitting out in the sunshine, or going for a walk with my carer. Small moments that people who haven’t faced the level of disadvantage and trauma I’ve faced take for granted but I had never got to enjoy.
After so long of feeling so awful and just trying to survive, having quiet moments of self-reflection and peace is the home I’ve been looking for all these years but could never really find.”
*Name and image changed for privacy.
“I knew I had a chance for a new start in life when I moved into the Young Women’s Freedom Program at Lighthouse. Before that, I had experienced severe sexual abuse and had been denied my right to education and freedom. I was rescued with the help of police, but afterwards I was alone and needed safety, healing, and a way to rebuild my confidence.
One of the biggest comforts for me was knowing there were other girls already living in the home who had been through similar experiences. They welcomed me like a sister and helped me begin adjusting to a completely different way of life. Even so, I was deeply afraid. Leaving my family took enormous courage, especially after living in a situation where I had been so controlled and confined. I wasn’t used to making decisions for myself, and I found it very hard to adapt to life in Australia while also trying to make sense of the two cultures I was living between. Even before I was forced into becoming a child bride, I had spent years living a very domestic life and rarely went outside to shops or public places.
It took a lot of encouragement for me to start stepping into the world beyond the home. I had gone to a strictly religious school and my education had been very limited. Even catching public transport on my own felt like a huge and frightening step. My Myki card became so important to me and it was more than just a ticket, it became a symbol of my freedom.
With support, I nervously started a ‘taste’ course with the Streat Program. At first, it felt overwhelming, but eventually I felt comfortable enough to attend once a week. That was a really important turning point for me. Not long after, I took on a part-time job with a cleaning company, which helped me feel more settled and capable. I cleaned offices and homes with two older women who spoke my language, and they would drop me home after work, which made me feel safe and supported.
Over time, I formed close relationships with the other girls in the program, and those connections stayed strong even after I transitioned to independent living. I still dream of completing my education, and my after-hours cleaning job gives me the financial security to keep working towards that goal.”
*Name and image changed for privacy.
"When I was 15, my life was about survival. While other kids were focused on school and friends, I was living in an unsafe home. I felt too ashamed to tell anyone what was happening. One day, things became too much and I ran, ending up at a police station with only a few belongings in my school bag. With nowhere else to go, I was placed in an adult refuge. I was scared, alone, and trying to make sense of everything, but I still went to school each day because it was the only place I felt like a normal teenager.
Everything changed when a social worker told me about Lighthouse. I remember dreaming the night before I arrived of a big, welcoming house filled with kind people. When I got there, it felt just like that dream. For the first time in years, I felt safe. Slowly, I began to settle in. The routines, shared meals, and care from the people around me helped me start to trust again and see the world as a safer place.
With the support of my carers and psychologist, I began to understand that what had happened to me wasn’t my fault. I felt heard, validated, and, for the first time, worthy of love. I built strong relationships, reconnected with my family, and started to believe in myself and my future.
With that support behind me, I transitioned into independent living and found full-time work. I built a career in healthcare and continued to grow in confidence and independence. Today, I’m a proud mum of two. My children know my story, and it has shaped the way we see the world and support others. Lighthouse will always be part of my life, and I carry everything I learned there into the future."
"I was seven years old when I became a ward of the state. I don’t remember much of my early childhood, but I do know that both my parents left when I was very young because of drug abuse and domestic violence. After that, I was on my own.
I was moved through more than 18 different homes. Living in that constant cycle, I never had the chance to feel settled or understand where I belonged. Being moved every few weeks was isolating and confusing, and I missed out on important parts of growing up. I couldn’t read or write because I was never in one place long enough to stay in school. Most of the time, I got into trouble or fought with others because I didn’t know how to explain what I was going through. I remember feeling like I was on a destructive path and thinking I would end up just like my parents.
When I came to Lighthouse, having people genuinely care about me felt unfamiliar. I wasn’t used to being supported without judgment. Over time, with the help of my carers and the programs, I started to open up. I learnt how to read and write, and for the first time, I could begin to understand and talk about what I had been through. Most importantly, I finally felt like I belonged. Lighthouse gave me stability and broke the cycle of constant moves.
With that support, I was able to rebuild my life. I completed an apprenticeship as a mechanic and have been in stable work ever since. Today, I’m a husband and a father to three girls. I still stay connected to Lighthouse, and it will always feel like family to me. I used to feel like my life was already set on a bad path, but now I know I have a future, and I’m excited for what’s ahead."
*Name and image changed for privacy.
"At 16, I was on the brink of homelessness when my grandfather’s health began to decline. He had been my main source of love and support, but as he got sicker, he could no longer care for me. Suddenly, I was without stability, without family, and without any idea of where to turn.
I stayed briefly in emergency accommodation, but every night I worried about what would happen next. As my time there came to an end, the fear and uncertainty grew. It was one of the loneliest times in my life. I remember feeling completely lost and thinking no one could help me.
Everything changed when I came to Lighthouse’s Transitional Program. For the first time, I felt safe, seen, and supported. Lighthouse gave me more than a roof over my head. They helped me build confidence, create routine, and find a sense of purpose. With the support of my care team, I learned how to manage a home, cook for myself, and start setting goals for my future.
Even after leaving, I’ve never had to do life alone. Through the On For Life program, I still have people I can turn to when things get tough. Knowing that support is always there has made all the difference.
Today, I’m living independently and building the life I once thought was out of reach. I’m studying to become a paramedic, reunited with my dog Charlotte, and creating a home of my own. Bringing her home again felt like closing the circle and a reminder of how far I’ve come."
Working at Lighthouse for the past few years has been transformative. Seeing the therapeutic care delivered in our homes and witnessing the resilience and strength of the children and young people has been truly inspiring.
Leanne – Lighthouse team member
Lighthouse is a warm, safe, and welcoming community for all. Seeing the way our team shows up and cares for our young people and the visible transformation it makes in their lives is inspiring.
Steph – Lighthouse
For the first time, I felt truly seen. Someone believed in me before I even believed in myself. I’ll always be grateful to Lighthouse and everyone who supports their work. You didn’t just change my life, you gave me a second chance.
Jacinta- On For Life young person
Have you been part of Lighthouse Foundation’s journey? We’d love to hear your story.
35 years of Lighthouse Foundation
Share your thoughts
Have you been part of Lighthouse Foundation’s journey? We’d love to hear your story.
In 35 words or less, share what Lighthouse means to you, whether you’ve lived in a Lighthouse home, supported our mission, worked alongside us, or walked alongside a young person. Your words will help bring to life the impact of Lighthouse through the voices of those who know it best.
If you have a longer story to share about your experience or connection to Lighthouse, we’d love to hear it! Please submit your unlimited words to marketing@lighthousefoundation.com.au
Tell us your story
Share your thoughts
Have you been part of Lighthouse Foundation’s journey? We’d love to hear your story.
In 35 words or less, share what Lighthouse means to you, whether you’ve lived in a Lighthouse home, supported our mission, worked alongside us, or walked alongside a young person. Your words will help bring to life the impact of Lighthouse through the voices of those who know it best.
Do you have a longer story to share about your experience or connection to Lighthouse? We’d love to hear it! Please submit your unlimited words to marketing@lighthousefoundation.com.au.
