Imagine that you have never felt loved or experienced a sense of self-worth. Or that you have never felt safe in your home or enjoyed the reassurance that there will always be a place where you feel welcome.
Unfortunately, young people across Queensland experience these emotions every day. Teenagers needing to overcome challenges that stem from their disadvantaged upbringing can find refuge, support and guidance from Christian community service organisation, Carinity.
A majority of young people who arrive at the Carinity On Track service have experienced significant trauma such as domestic violence and drug or alcohol abuse in their home.
“These are young people who have gone through significant hardship and, through no fault of their own, are unable to live with their parents or other carers,” says Carinity On Track Program Coordinator, Janine Haddon.
“We help the young people to feel safe by providing them with a nurturing and supportive home environment.”
Carinity On Track’s initial priority is to make residents feel safe and secure – providing them the home-like environment they have lacked in their lives to date.
Once the teenagers develop those feelings of security, the Carinity On-Track team turn their focus to building the skills the young people need to rise above the challenges they have faced and turn their lives around.
“We encourage our young people to engage in education or work and provide them with a supportive and nurturing environment to help them achieve their goals,” Janine said.
“We are there for the young people 24 hours a day, seven days a week. We celebrate and support their successes, hopes and dreams.”
You can help Carinity to continue providing invaluable services to at-risk youth in a number of locations throughout Queensland, by donating to the Carinity Christmas Appeal.
Donate online at www.carinity.org.au/donations. All donations are tax deductible.