Advent of Hope continues this week as we highlight client courage, resilience and perseverance in 2022. Today we meet Jack* who came to live at Carlow Place.

Jack* was referred to Carlow Place after being asked to leave home due to his challenging behaviour.

Initially he stayed with his grandmother, but as her health began to worsen, caring for Jack became too much.

When he arrived at Carlow Place, staff quickly identified that Jack needed intensive support to manage his behaviour and live independently.

He found even the smallest of everyday tasks difficult, which made him vulnerable to others outside of Carlow, and required one-on-one help to care for himself.

His case manager organised health assessments which revealed the impact of a brain injury, caused by childhood abuse and neglect.

Jack had long since disengaged from school but had fallen through gaps in the system which had left him without the support he needed.

Located at Elizabeth, Carlow Place provides emergency and 24-hour supported accommodation for eight young people aged 15 to 18 years who are homeless, or at risk of homelessness.

Centacare’s Outer North Youth Homelessness Service (ONYHS) worked intensively with Jack to connect him to the NDIS and create a plan. He recently secured a significant budget to help him achieve his goals.

The funding will enable Jack to have specialist accommodation and access to education and employment opportunities.

Since connecting with Carlow Place, Jack has developed a sense of hope, safety and stability, and he continues to grow in confidence.

In 2021-2022, the ONYHS supported 482 clients including 153 males.

*Not his real name.