Young Women's Intermediate Supported Accommodation (YWISA)

These young mothers often have a long history of abuse including domestic violence, sexual assault, incest, homelessness, poor living and parenting skills.

They also may be struggling with poor English and isolation, the effects of past addictions or on-going mental health issues.

Through client centred case management, as well as weekly ‘Parenting’ and ‘Living Skills’ groups, each client is assisted to improve their knowledge and skills and to move towards achieving their goals. These goals may include finding long term, safe, affordable housing in the community, working on restoration of non-accompanying children, improving budgeting, parenting and living skills, and establishing supportive community networks.

Following intensive assistance whilst residing in our Inner West refuges, residents may progress to one of our 'exit houses' or into other housing within the community where support may continue on an outreach basis.

We have had very positive results from this program with most of our families maintaining independent living without relapsing back into the refuge cycle.

We maintain contact with many of our clients who have left the service and hope, through being available for support when necessary, to break the pattern of cross generational transmission of multiple disadvantage, abuse, poverty and hopelessness.

The service accommodates 90 women and children each year.

Funded by YWCA and The Department of Community Services.

Approximately 8 women are accommodated each year.

This Program is funded by YWCA NSW.