Jack's Story

I’m Jack, and at 15, I found myself homeless after leaving my parents’ homes. Life had been tough — arguments with my mum turned violent, and my dad felt I couldn’t stay with his new family. With nowhere to go, I called crisis services, but most turned me away because of my age. Then I found TINOCA, a Youth Futures program. After a warm chat, they invited me for an interview and offered me a safe place to stay.

Walking into TINOCA, I was nervous, picturing a grim, crowded shelter. Instead, I got my own room, met other young people, and found staff who truly listened. At first, I felt out of place, but soon I made close friends and started to feel at home. TINOCA’s support helped me reflect on my family relationships. With their guidance and an outside mediator, I rebuilt my bond with my dad. After four months, I moved back home, graduated year 10 with great grades, and now live in my own place, thanks to Youth Futures’ help with a fridge and washing machine. TINOCA turned a dark time into a fresh start, and I’m grateful for the hope they gave me.

Yasmine's Story

Hey, I’m Yasmine. I was sleeping rough and lost in a world of partying when I found out I was pregnant. I knew I wanted better for my baby, so I reached out to Youth Futures’ Nest program, and it changed everything.

I came to Australia from Africa at eight, a refugee with my mum and siblings. When my dad joined us at 12, things got tough. He was violent, and my mum couldn’t protect me. By 13, I was in crisis, feeling alone and even tried to end my life. Child Protection Services stepped in, moving me to a hostel at 14. There, I fell into a crowd that introduced me to drugs and alcohol. For years, I bounced between hostels, couches, and the streets.

Pregnancy was my wake-up call. At five months along, I moved into a Nest property in January. The support was incredible andI learned how to build a safe home and got help from a Drug Education Worker to stay on track and welcome my healthy baby boy. I poured my heart into making our home cozy and even reconnected with my mum and sisters after five years apart, hoping they’ll be part of his life.

With Nest’s support, I’ve moved into my own house, ready to be the best mum I can be. I’m so grateful for this fresh start.

Adrian's Story

Hey, I’m Adrian, 16, and school used to feel like a dead end. At my old school, I was one of too many students, lost in the crowd. I’d raise my hand and wait ages for help, feeling ignored. I stopped going regularly and didn’t think I fit in. Then I found Anchor Point, and everything changed.

Here, the classes are small, and there’s no rush. We come four days a week, so I can take my time with my work. The teachers and youth workers are always there, giving me support and awesome advice. It’s like they really see me. Unlike my old school, where I wondered if I belonged, Anchor Point feels like a community. Everyone knows everyone’s name, and we all get along. I was shy at first, but it didn’t take long to open up because I can just be myself.

I’m working on my Cert I in General Education, and my youth worker even helped me build my first resume. My mum dreams of me being an air force pilot, but I’ve got my heart set on becoming a soldier. Anchor Point’s given me the confidence to chase that dream, and I’m so grateful for this fresh start.