Sarah is a proud Aboriginal woman. Her culture was acknowledged and supported throughout her time at Foyer.
Last year, Sarah and her mother and siblings escaped their home due to family violence. They moved from hotel to hotel, all while Sarah tried to complete Year 12, which was an almost impossible challenge. Waking up, packing up all her things and moving to another place was hugely disruptive, and not something any student should endure.
“I should be leaving to go to school at 8am, not packing everything and moving to another place”.
Today, after graduating from the Kangan Education First Youth Foyer in Broadmeadows Sarah is the first member of her family to have completed Year 12. She has continued studying for a Diploma in Education and is well on track to fulfilling her goal of working with Indigenous young people.
Path to safe, secure housing
During her time at Foyer, Sarah actively worked towards her education and employment goals, making the most of the opportunities available. At Foyer, every young person is encouraged to focus on their studies and career aspirations, with access to various education, training, and employment programs. Sarah also successfully secured a job, reflecting her dedication and the resources provided. “They helped me get a job and get back on my feet,” she shared.
Having the Launch Housing team and youth development workers on site around the clock provided Sarah with valuable support. “The main thing I needed was mental support and having people to speak to, and when I was feeling a bit lonely, to be able to go downstairs and chat with everyone”, she said.
Sarah’s safety was also a priority, with systems and processes in place to ensure her protection, given her history of family violence. These measures helped create a secure environment where Sarah could focus on rebuilding her life.
“Because I would get home from work quite late… they would come and meet me out the front to make sure I got inside safely and [the perpetrator] wasn’t waiting for me. That was very great that they listened and took action when it was needed.”
Acknowledging and supporting Sarah’s culture
Sarah’s culture was recognised and supported from the moment she arrived at the Foyer. Her connection to culture was celebrated through celebrating cultural significant days and events, and efforts were made to ensure she remained close to her family. Throughout her stay, Sarah’s cultural needs were prioritised in creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for her.
Foyer hosts events and celebrations that acknowledged and support culture. Sarah has participated in a networking event organised by Foyers and Aboriginal Controlled Community Organisations to support First Nations students and build awareness of services like Foyers.
“It was lovely to be a part of something that is going to help other indigenous students in the future through the Foyer.”
Staying close to community was incredibly important to Sarah, and this was fully supported during her time at the Foyer. When she expressed her wish to be nearer to her family, arrangements were made for her to transfer from the Broadmeadows Foyer to the Glen Waverley Foyer, allowing her to maintain that important connection.
The family is now reunited. Sarah is out of the Foyer and lives in a one-bedroom apartment next door to her mother and siblings.
Pursuing her goal of becoming a teacher
Sarah is now the first in her family to successfully complete Year 12. During her time at Foyers, Sarah pursued her study and employment goals and is proud to have completed high school. She also commenced her Diploma in Education, to fulfill her wish of becoming a primary school teacher, working with Indigenous young people.
NB – Sarah’s name has been changed.