Families

Parenting

Young Women's Intermediate Supported Accommodation (YWISA)

Funded by YWCA NSW and The Department of Community Services, the YWISA program aims to provide safe and supported medium-term accommodation to homeless 17-25 year old young women who are pregnant, have children or are working on the restoration of their children.

 

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 limited English and isolation, the effects of past addictions or on-going mental health issues.

Through client centered 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 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 intergenerational transmission of multiple disadvantage, abuse, and poverty.

 

The service assists 90 women and children each year.

 

We also provide shared medium term housing to women unaccompanied by children. This accommodation support is provided to women who are leaving a crisis domestic violence refuge and require low level, ongoing support for up to twelve months.

 

Approximately 8 women are accommodated each year.

Contact

For more information or assistance please contact our team in the Sydney office on 02 9285 6286 or info@ywcansw.com.au.

 

 

 

 
"YWCA NSW is such an inspiration to the community as you help so many people just like me to achieve our dreams." Michele, former course participant.
 
 

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