Homebase Youth Services

Our Stories

Our Stories

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Since 2005, we’ve proudly supported young people and families in our community.

We focus on a person’s strengths, not just their challenges. Looking at the bigger picture of their lives, we work together to overcome barriers, build confidence and skills and create a brighter future.

We’re proud to share these stories from our Homebase community.

Max’s Story
Supported Playgroup

Local mum Nikki* has been attending Homebase’s Supported Playgroup with her two-and-a-half-year-old son, Max*, for the past year.

She says, “Playgroup has been vital for Max’s development”.

“Before, he hadn’t been very social due to a medical condition, but he’s excited to go to playgroup every week and has learnt so many new things, including arts, crafts and swimming. I’ve loved seeing him grow and make friends in a safe environment.”

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved

Max’s Story
Supported Playgroup

Local mum Nikki* has been attending Homebase’s Supported Playgroup with her two-and-a-half-year-old son, Max*, for the past year.

She says, “Playgroup has been vital for Max’s development”.

“Before, he hadn’t been very social due to a medical condition, but he’s excited to go to playgroup every week and has learnt so many new things, including arts, crafts and swimming. I’ve loved seeing him grow and make friends in a safe environment.”

*Names have been changed to protect the privacy of the individuals involved

Zarlia’s Story

Strive for Success, Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP)

Zarlia, a local 17-year-old, first reached out to Homebase Youth Services when she was just starting High School. She was finding things difficult – school was tough, and she wasn’t sure how to frame her future – but with our support, Zarlia began to see her path more clearly.

Starting our Strive for Success Youth Job Skills and Employment Program, our team was focused on building trust. We scheduled regular check-ins with Zarlia, helping her sharpen her vision and dreams and discussing her struggles at school and life at home. “Those talks made me feel seen and comforted”, Zarlia says.

One of Zarlia’s first major milestones was getting her learner’s permit (Ls) through the support of our Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP). “Getting my Ls was a lifesaver”, Zarlia says, crediting the Homebase team with helping her complete driving hours, an important step toward independence.

With each goal reached, Zarlia grew more confident in her ability to shape her own future. She’s always loved sports, but photography soon became another passion.

Zarlia’s Story

Strive for Success, Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP)

Zarlia, a local 17-year-old, first reached out to Homebase Youth Services when she was just starting High School. She was finding things difficult – school was tough, and she wasn’t sure how to frame her future – but with our support, Zarlia began to see her path more clearly.

Starting our Strive for Success Youth Job Skills and Employment Program, our team was focused on building trust. We scheduled regular check-ins with Zarlia, helping her sharpen her vision and dreams and discussing her struggles at school and life at home. “Those talks made me feel seen and comforted”, Zarlia says.

One of Zarlia’s first major milestones was getting her learner’s permit (Ls) through the support of our Driver Licensing Access Program (DLAP). “Getting my Ls was a lifesaver”, Zarlia says, crediting the Homebase team with helping her complete driving hours, an important step toward independence.

With each goal reached, Zarlia grew more confident in her ability to shape her own future. She’s always loved sports, but photography soon became another passion.

With support from Strive for Success, she enrolled in a photography course at TAFE. She says, “The encouragement from my friends and family really inspires me to make something out of this”.

Her journey took an exciting turn when she was offered the chance to apprentice with a professional photographer, a connection she made through Homebase. Over two days, Zarlia gained hands-on experience in real-world photoshoots. “That opportunity built my confidence and skill,” she says.

Now, she gives back by helping at Homebase’s Supported Playgroup, supporting younger children to engage in activities that bring joy and learning. “The kids’ activities here are just what the community needs”, she says.

Looking back, Zarlia is grateful for the guidance she’s received, but more importantly, she now believes in her potential and building her future.

“The Strive for Success program and the Homebase team guided me in the right direction, and now I’m ready to take the wheel. I’m working hard to make a name for myself.” 

With support from Strive for Success, she enrolled in a photography course at TAFE. She says, “The encouragement from my friends and family really inspires me to make something out of this”.

Her journey took an exciting turn when she was offered the chance to apprentice with a professional photographer, a connection she made through Homebase. Over two days, Zarlia gained hands-on experience in real-world photoshoots. “That opportunity built my confidence and skill,” she says.

Now, she gives back by helping at Homebase’s Supported Playgroup, supporting younger children to engage in activities that bring joy and learning. “The kids’ activities here are just what the community needs”, she says.

Looking back, Zarlia is grateful for the guidance she’s received, but more importantly, she now believes in her potential and building her future.

“The Strive for Success program and the Homebase team guided me in the right direction, and now I’m ready to take the wheel. I’m working hard to make a name for myself.” 

Our services

Dedicated services for young people and families

Homebase Youth Worker playing touch football with local kids from Tuncurry and Forster

Youth Services

Case Management & Youth Programs – Helping you work out life and create a better future.

Local Aboriginal girl drawing on a wooden boomerang at Homebase Supported Playgroup

Family Support

Supported Playgroup & Worimi Family Case Worker Play, learn, connect and find support for your family.

Group of High School students from the Homebase After school care program

Worimi Services

Advocacy, Referrals & Homework Club – For local Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander people.

Local young adult with P plate in her hand after receiving her drivers license with support form Homebase

Driver’s Program

Driver Licensing Access Program Help to get your driver’s licence, from pre-learners to full license.

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