Tania's Story
I’m Tania, 21, and I love my life now, but it wasn’t always this way. At 15, I got kicked out of home and bounced between hostels and friends’ couches. With no money, I stole to get by and used meth regularly. I landed in juvenile detention 17 times for small things like stealing and street drinking. My lowest point was when my mum visited me in detention, saw my track marks, and broke down. It broke my heart, too.
After bail, I quit drugs and moved into transitional housing at 17. A Youth Futures Housing Support Worker stepped in, and when I had nowhere else to go, I stayed with my partner’s grandma. Then I found out I was pregnant. Youth Futures gave me hope, helping with baby clothes, furniture, a fridge, and a washer. Seven days before my son was born, I had a home.
Even when my house was robbed, my support workers were there, helping me rebuild and navigate postnatal depression. They taught me how to handle tough times with strength. Now, I’ve cut out bad influences, stayed out of trouble, and rebuilt my family ties. My son grows up surrounded by love. I’m dreaming of university and a bright future for us, thanks to Youth Futures.