Donate This tax time

Young parents like Lenah need your help to break the cycle of intergenerational trauma

“We just needed somewhere safe — somewhere we could stay long enough to believe things could get better.”

Lenah was 19 when she came to Lighthouse. She is a proud Gunaikurnai woman, a new mum, and a young parent raising her baby boy while still building stability in her own life.

She grew up alongside her sisters in a family impacted by intergenerational trauma and loss, relying on each other to survive instability from a young age.

Today, Lenah is supported through Lighthouse’s On For Life program.

Her story shows why support for young parents cannot stop at crisis. It must continue to break cycles of trauma and homelessness.

That is what Lighthouse’s Young Parents and Babies program exists to do.

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Young Parents & Babies program impact FY24/25

6

Mums supported

8

Babies supported

17,500

+

Nappies & pull-ups used

Lenah’s story

I’m 19 and a proud Gunaikurnai woman, one of eight siblings. Growing up, my family experienced deep loss shaped by intergenerational trauma, but we always looked out for each other.

My older sister Rianna was the first to come to Lighthouse when she needed stability and support. Seeing her rebuild her life gave me hope.

Not long after, I was couch surfing and struggling myself. Reaching out for help wasn’t easy, but with support from Lighthouse, I slowly began to rebuild. I moved into the same home Rianna had just left, and over time I found stability, connection, and people who genuinely cared about me.

Later, my younger sister Jennali also needed support. Just like Rianna had done for me, we stood beside her every step of the way.

Today, life looks very different. I’ve welcomed my baby boy and I’m now living safely in my own home, supported through Lighthouse’s On For Life program as I step into motherhood. My sisters and I all have stable housing, and for the first time in a long time, the future feels exciting.

*Names changed for privacy.

Young parents facing homelessness need support to stay safe, together, and build a future. This tax time, help keep young parents and babies together in safe and nurturing homes.

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Donate now

As this tax time approaches, you have the opportunity to support more vulnerable young people.

Giving $25

Can provide a backpack of essentials for a young parent and baby starting again in a safe loving home.

Foster Care IconGiving $150

Can help provide items such as bedding and clothing for a young woman like Lenah and her baby, supporting comfort, dignity, and the transition to independent living.

Giving $250

Contributes to ongoing therapeutic care and emotional support, helping young parents like Lenah stay connected as they build stability in early motherhood.

Lighthouse Foundation is a deductible gift recipient (DGR). The minimum tax-deductible donation amount to Lighthouse Foundation is $2.

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Help us to break the pattern of youth homelessness in Australia.