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Home Baked- Lighthouse’s 2019-20 annual report

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There’s something magic about the optimism that comes with the beginning of a new year right? After the challenges of 2020, this is truer than ever. As we head back into work and get into the swing of our newly adjusted routines, it’s the perfect time to reflect on the year that we’ve shared together.

So, why not take a moment to reflect and walk down memory lane with us by reading Lighthouse’s latest 2019-2020 annual report titled ‘Home Baked’. 

Home Baked- Lighthouse’s 2019-20 annual reportClick here to download

Since it was an extraordinary year, we wanted to make sure that this report was anything BUT ordinary. This is why we decided to turn it in to a little ‘cookbook’, with recipes from people in our community sprinkled throughout. Perfect to curl up on the couch with, and enjoy over a cup of tea. 

We hope that this report highlights to each and every one of you how truly unique our organization is, and how your support is helping to change young lives forever.  

2020 taught us just how resilient we are, and that we are capable of adapting and growing. Most of all though, it reaffirmed just how giving you all are. In a year where many of you were at your most vulnerable too, you rallied around us more than ever before. Because of that, we were able to welcome a number of new young people in to our care and are now watching them thrive as they move through our programs. And though many of you in our community couldn’t meet them face-to-face, you substituted that with handmade cards, zoom birthday celebrations and waves hello from the footpath. 

As the old saying goes, ‘When life gives you lemons, make lemonade’– so, let’s use this moment of reflection to remember the year…not for the challenges and heartaches we faced…but for the beautiful, heart-warming memories and stories inside these pages that YOU, our supporters, made possible.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.

A puzzle by KEN DONE, Cassie Byrnes & Journey Of Something

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In a meaningful collaboration that spans across Australia, Lighthouse has released a limited-edition puzzle with iconic artists, Ken Done & Cassie Byrnes.

Purchase your puzzle today by CLICKING HERE.

The best part? All proceeds raised will help support kids impacted by abuse, neglect and homelessness.

Lighthouse was lucky enough to secure Cassie Byrnes’ ‘Basalt’ print and Ken Done’s ‘Cobalt Reef’, to help spread awareness about youth homelessness. Produced by expert puzzle makers, Journey of Something, this deluxe two-for-one puzzle is a collectable for the ages. 

The graphic and patterned works, with their repeated shapes and strokes, provide something visually beautiful to look at, but they might also make you think about other patterns you see in the world. Maybe you think of the hexagons in a bee’s hive, or stripes at a zebra crossing?

At Lighthouse, we are reminded of our young people who have come from a long lineage of homelessness and abuse. It is our mission to give them the skills to leave their own positive mark on the world – to create a healthy pattern for them to pass on for generations to come. This is only possible with your support.

Each puzzle is 500 pieces and we hope that solving it with your family and friends strengthens connections and builds a sense of community, like we do here at Lighthouse. When completed, both artworks will look beautiful framed and displayed in the family home. 
This year, please consider choosing a life-changing gift. It’s our wish that each time you look at these works, you’re reminded of the positive impact you’re making on some very vulnerable young people, children and babies.

Purchase your puzzle today by CLICKING HERE.

Bianca’s story

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CLICK HERE TO DONATE

As we approach the end of an incredibly challenging year, many of you have expressed to us that you’re worried about the impact that this crisis has had on homeless young people- and we want you to know how you can make a difference.

Right now, there are hundreds of homeless young parents, babies and pregnant women in Australia that desperately need our support. Many of these young parents were forced to flee violent and abusive homes and have been repeatably told throughout their short, painful lives “You don’t belong. You’re useless. You’re not good enough”. Sadly, when a young person hears that over and over again, they begin to feel unworthy and invisible- like lone puzzle pieces that don’t ‘fit in’ or belong anywhere in this world.

We wanted to share Bianca’s story with you today to show you exactly how Lighthouse helps young mums and their babies slowly piece their lives back together again. Your donation not only allows for us to attend to the immediate needs of these little families- but gives us the chance to show them that their dreams, hopes and lives truly matter. You let us show girls like Bianca that they are capable and worthy of being loved. You help us to stop the next generation of homelessness.

Since the next few weeks are regarded as the season of giving and spending time with loved ones, we ask you to please spare a thought for girls like Bianca- and if you can, make a donation. It doesn’t matter how big or small your gift is, because every dollar makes the world of difference right now.

Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for continuing to support our young people throughout this difficult time. Just like a puzzle is put together piece by piece, we wouldn’t be able to rebuild these young lives without you.

Until next time, stay safe and I wish you and your loved ones a happy holiday season.

With heart,

Susan Barton AM- Lighthouse Founder

Bianca’s story

Imagine being 20-years-old, 38 weeks pregnant and homeless. It seems unimaginable that a young woman in Australia could find herself in such a vulnerable position, but that was true for Bianca.

After years of struggling with substance abuse, Bianca had completed a rehabilitation program to try and prepare herself for motherhood- but with nowhere to call home or social supports available to her, both of their futures were at serious risk.

Thankfully Bianca was referred to Lighthouse, and warmly welcomed into our young parents and babies’ program. It was tough at first, she admits, “learning to live with structure and allowing someone else to care for me was hard”, but for the first time, in a long time, she was safe.

Bianca slowly adapted to her new life at Lighthouse, and after giving birth to her baby boy, Kaylan, embraced the wraparound support provided by her carers and psychologists. Every single day, their thoughtful and predictable engagement with Bianca helped to repair her shattered worldview- proving that genuine, healthy and trustworthy relationships were possible.

After twelve months at Lighthouse, Bianca had developed a strong attachment with baby Kaylan and learnt the vital parenting skills needed to take care of him and most importantly, herself. Having now left the program and transitioned into independent living, Bianca is hopeful for the future and has plans to complete her VCAL and enrol in a Bachelor of Nursing.

We couldn’t be more proud of this young Mum and what she has achieved over the past year. Little Kaylan is lucky to have such a strong role-model in his life, and both of them will always have a place to call home here at Lighthouse as a part of our ‘On For Life’ promise.

Foster Care Week

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Foster Care Week is a special time to celebrate the enormous contribution of foster carers and everything they do to help our most vulnerable children. This group of extraordinary, unique individuals make our communities and society a better place by offering support, security, love and understanding to the children in their care. We know from experience that being a foster carer isn’t always easy, but it is extremely rewarding, and truly does change a young person’s life forever.

So, to all our amazing foster carers, thank you. Each day this week we’ll be sharing a little light on why exactly we’re so thankful on our social media channels…so stay tuned. Even though we’re apart right now, please know that everyone in our community is clapping for you…because you’re truly extraordinary.

Lighthouse is still looking for 8 more long-term foster carers to join our new program, offering continuous support, regular respite and access to our unique ‘Hub Home’. So, if you’ve been inspired this week to find out a little more about fostering…we’d love to hear from you on 1800 542 273 or by visiting lighthousefostercare.org.au

Surprise your mates with a text from Lighthouse

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This Spring, why not show your friends, family and loved ones that you’re thinking of them by sending a text from us. Take a look at our new ‘text-a-mate’ campaign.
For a small donation of $5, $10 or $20, Lighthouse Foundation will send your mates a surprise text message & virtual gift (like the one here), that’s bound to brighten their day. The best part: every dollar raised goes towards funding our life-changing programs.

There’s three different options to choose from, so we’ve got a little something for everyone in your contact list. Small acts of kindness like this can reduce anxiety and help us to feel more positive in the world…and we could all benefit from a little bit more of that right now.

Here’s how to get started:
Step 1. CLICK HERE to visit www.donate.lighthousefoundation.org.au & select a virtual gift.


A $5 donation will send a virtual drink to a mate- helping us to provide a meal for a child in our care.

A $10 donation will send a bunch of virtual blooms to a friend- helping us to purchase educational resources.

A $20 donation will send big bear hug to a loved one- helping us to provide additional counselling and art therapy to our kids.
Step 2. Complete your donation on the web page and make sure to include your mates full name & mobile in the ORDER NOTES. 

Here’s an example of what you’ll need to fill out, in addition to your payment details. Remember, if we don’t have your mate’s details…we won’t know who to message.



 
Step 3. Sit back and relax knowing that your contribution is making a difference & that your text will be on its way within 24hrs. Our volunteer Olive is helping us to send these messages out so you’ll be pleased to know there’s no admin cost on our end.


Thank you. By sending a text, you’re supporting the children and young people in our care impacted by neglect, abuse and homelessness.

There’s always a silver lining

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On behalf of all of the children and young people of Lighthouse, we continue to be heartened by the generosity and support of our community this year. Thank you for standing by our side throughout this difficult time, and helping us keep our homes open.

Although we still face many challenges ahead, we take comfort in knowing you’re here for us and that even in the darkest days, hope and goodness can be found. As a small token of our appreciation, we wanted to share with you some of our favourite Lighthouse moments that we’ve experienced over the past few months- our silver linings.

If we’ve learnt anything over this time it’s that we are stronger together and a loving community will always help us to find light out of the darkness.

Thank you again for keeping our kids close to your hearts- no matter where you are in the world. We hope you and your families are safe and well.

Lighthouse <3

I’m Just Like You – Jessie’s Poem

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Check out this 1-minute video inspired by a poem titled ‘I’m just like you’ which was written by one of our young people, Jessie, about her life before coming to Lighthouse. We hope that her powerful words resonate with you and remind us all that even in times of hardship, we have something to be grateful for.

Whether that’s having a roof over our heads, putting food on the table or being surrounded by friends and family- please know that these were once the dreams of homeless kids like Jessie when she was forced to live on the street.

In order to raise awareness to the issue of youth homelessness, Jessie wanted us to share with you a powerful video of Jessie reading her poem aloud. You can watch it via donate.lighthousefoundation.org.au

This video was kindly filmed and produced in a pro bono capacity by Rose and Rayner from Rosedamon.com. We would love for you to give what you can and help us share it with your friends and family on social media. Because it only takes one caring adult, just like you, to change the lives of children like Jessie forever.

Click here to watch Jessie read her poem aloud

 

Jessie’s story:

Jessie was only 15 years old when she was forced to live on the streets after being pushed out of a highly dysfunctional home. When she first came to Lighthouse, she struggled with severe depression, anxiety and self-harming behaviour. It took many months for her to finally feel safe, and open up about the history of her trauma with her Carer, Pam.

Slowly over time, she and Pam developed a strong relationship. It was a tight-knit bond that was formed over countless sleepless nights spent together, which almost always led to a cup of tea on the deck, watching the sunrise.

Pam was the first adult that Jessie was ever able to trust. She helped her to regain her sense of self and security. Because no matter how much she pushed back, or how aggressive her outbursts became at night, she was always by her side. Pam also helped Jessie to enrol in a creative writing course which is where she wrote the inspiring poem you’re reading today. It was Pam’s kindness and loving support that helped Jessie to finally find her voice again.

 

A poem by Jessie- Lighthouse young person

I’m just like you

I have two hands, only no one to hold mine

I’m just like you

I have two feet, only my shoes are broken and too small

I’m just like you

I have a Mum and Dad, only mine couldn’t look after me

I’m just like you

I have a beating heart, only mine hurts all the time

I’m just like you

I sleep at night, only I sleep under the bridge you walk over to go home.

I’m just like you.

 

Please click here to donate what you can to help Lighthouse Foundation change young lives like Jessie’s. 

The Art of Kindness

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Header Colouring In Lighthouse

In a meaningful collaboration, Lighthouse has partnered with Aussie artists to distribute FREE colouring pages for you and your family to enjoy while social distancing at home.

These one-off illustrations have been a labour of love so are free to download, with their intricate patterns and designs making them an ideal stress-relief and mindfulness activity for all ages. We hope that they can take you back to the days of finger-paints and carefree playing with colour- when let’s face it, life seemed a little simpler.

At Lighthouse, colouring is just one of the many activities we do with our kids who need to start with play and art therapy to help them feel safe, particularly in times of uncertainty. As we sit beside guarded and withdrawn children, colouring together, we see them be able to relax, start to trust and eventually express their emotions.

This week you’ll be able to access the first 12 drawings in the series, so get your crayons, pencils and paints ready. Just like our young people, let’s allow ourselves to open up and let our imaginations take over for a while. When you do put your ‘pen to paper’, we hope that you feel a sense of connectedness to one another in our Lighthouse community, even though we’re apart.

We’ll be releasing new sheets over the coming weeks from the following amazing artists:

Bianca Cash, Carla Adams, Cat Rabbit, Charlotte Alldis, Gemma Flack, Ghostpatrol, Helen McCullagh, Hilary Green, Indira Fernando, Jasmine Mansbridge, Krissy Agostini, Megan McKean, Pey Chi, Yippy Whippy, Beci Orpin,  Claire Johnson, Frances Cannon , Laura Blythman, Martina Martian, Minna Gilligan, Nathan Nankervis and Taiki One.

Thank you again to each and every artist for getting involved in this project and helping us raise awareness for Lighthouse. Your act of kindness will help us to find a moment of calmness- lightening up our spirits and bringing a bit of colour in to these seemingly dark days.

Please enjoy the colouring pages. Remember to follow and tag both Lighthouse (@lighthousefoundation) and the artists on social media when sharing any of the works. We would love everyone to spread the love by sharing their completed artworks to their own social pages using the hashtag #Lighthousefoundation.

Thank you for taking part in ‘The Art of Kindness’.

DOWNLOAD ALL SHEETS: Click here to download

Click here to download

If you would like to get involved as a contributing artist, please contact siennab@lighthousefoundation.org.au.

We hope you enjoy this mindful practice courtesy of our incredible partnering artists. Thank you for supporting Lighthouse and happy colouring!

The Art of Kindness (18)

How to cope with anxiety during uncertain times

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These are extraordinary times that we are living in. Many of you in our Lighthouse community might be feeling anxious, on edge or overwhelmed by coronavirus.

You may feel bored, frustrated or lonely. You may also feel low, worried or be concerned about your health or those close to you.

What’s important is that every single one of these emotions are OK- in fact, they’re completely natural. Coronavirus has changed many of our daily routines and threatened our sense of safety- sadly an all too familiar experience for the kids in our care. However, there are some things that you can do right now to help you take care of your health and well-being.

Our Lighthouse Psychologists and expert Care Team have experienced first-hand how the combination of a supportive community, paired with self-care can shape the trajectory of a person’s life in disrupting times. So, they’re here to help you too- with advice on how to cope with stress and anxiety surrounding the coronavirus outbreak.
Stay connected
Throughout this time of physical distancing, it is easy for people to feel socially isolated or alone. Stay connected to all those close to you through this time with technology and social media. If you are feeling anxious, distressed, or overwhelmingly sad, tell someone. It could be a friend, a family member or a professional. They will want to be there for you. They will want to help. If you think you know someone who is prone to these feelings, please check in with them.

If you are a parent/guardian
Children are exquisitely attuned to their caregiver’s emotional state. During this period of heightened emotional vigilance, children are most resilient when in calm surroundings. Remaining calm will sometimes be challenging throughout the pandemic but it may be helpful to think of the parent’s role as the calm eye of the storm. Children rely on their parents to be vigilant and concerned with respect to risk, but also to be protective against unnecessary anxiety and panic.

Recognise the signs of anxiety
Identifying early signs of worry or anxiety is the first step toward reducing symptoms. Early signs may include dwelling on particular negative thoughts or feelings. Anxious thoughts often reside in future orientated stressors combined with an overactive flight-fight-freeze response. For example, “if [perceived danger] happens, I will not be able to get through”, or “the world is not a safe place”. If at any stage, your anxiety becomes so overwhelming that you’re unable to regulate your emotions, then seek help. The following government website provides a list of helplines that can be accessed in times of need- https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/mental-health-helplines

Reciprocity
Throughout the prolonged period of being at home, it’s important to be honest with yourself about how you are feeling. There will be times where you’re feeling overwhelmed, isolated and/or distressed. You may need a listening ear or a calming voice. There may also be times you’re feeling calm, settled, and able to provide support to others. In these moments, consider your skills and resources and offer support where you can. Research has shown us that we can actually protect our psychological well-being through adopting a role. You could be a listening ear or that calming voice for someone else. You may even have a skill or resource that you can share with others.
At Lighthouse Foundation, we wish you, your family and friends the very best in these unpredictable times. Together we can build our resilience through thoughtful self and community care. We hope this was helpful, even in some small way.