Our Education First Youth Foyer empowered Chrissy to find community and a future beyond isolation
During her final year of school, Chrissy was overcoming mental health challenges and cultural isolation. When she moved into one of Launch Housing’s Education First Youth Foyer the supportive environment helped her find confidence, community, safety and connection.
*Content warning* reference to suicide
From feeling disconnected and isolated …
Chrissy was referred to Launch Housing’s Education First Youth Foyer program by her high school wellbeing team during her final year of school. At the time, she was navigating mental health challenges and a deep sense of disconnection from her community in Melbourne’s south-east, where she felt isolated as a young Asian person.
‘I didn’t really see myself living very long if I stayed there,’ she reflects.
… to finding community and a sense of self
Though the initial transition was isolating — arriving during a COVID outbreak and feeling culturally out of place in the area — Chrissy gradually found her rhythm.
‘It was strange being in a different place by myself,’ she says, ‘but over time, I became a fixture of the place.’
Chrissy’s corner of the dining table became a study spot where others would drop by, interrupt, and connect — a small but meaningful form of community.
Foyer’s support was flexible, responsive and empowering. Chrissy accessed funding and guidance to study overseas in London. She also received study support, and learned to navigate burnout.
‘Having my own space let me grow as a person.’
Foyers can build bright futures for young people like Chrissy
After two years at Foyer, Chrissy moved into a share house in a multicultural neighbourhood in Inner Melbourne, where she finally feels at home.
’Even though the house is old, I love what I’ve done with it. It feels warm, and it feels like me.’
Chrissy continues to stay connected to Foyer, returning to volunteer with art projects and run collage workshops for other young people.
‘It was really nice to go back.’
Having recently completed her degree in politics and creative writing, Chrissy is taking a break before considering further study. She’s also passionate about making systems more inclusive, drawing on her lived experience to challenge assumptions about poverty and homelessness.
’I didn’t think I’d have a life past high school. But moving out was the happiest moment of my life.’
