Alison is pursuing her passion

13 Apr 2018

16 April 2018 

She is working to establish a career in childcare, has learned a range of essential life skills, built her self-confidence and is now preparing take the next step in her journey towards independence by transitioning through Horizon House’s two tier step-down model. 

This will see Alison living semi-independently with the support of the Horizon House Bendigo team of caregivers for up to 12 months so she can practice implementing the life skills she has learned before transitioning to supported independent living for a further 12 months.

“When I first arrived at Horizon House I was studying a Certificate l and ll in Hospitality at Tafe but I knew that wasn’t the direction I wanted to go in,” Alison said.

“The accommodation I was living in previously wasn’t stable and that made it challenging to think about switching study or making any kind of significant life changes.

“Once I moved into Horizon House and found some stability, it gave me the space I needed to explore what it was I really wanted to do.

“I absolutely love kids, I think they’re awesome, and the caregivers here really helped me build my confidence and set some goals for myself and one of the biggest ones was to start working in childcare.

“I began my TAFE course in childcare in February this year and I recently completed my first work placement, which was a great experience.

“Working with the children was so much fun and I found some things that I need to focus on in my course which was useful.”

Since being at Horizon House Alison has also developed a range of essential life skills through the Horizon House Life Skills Program but said learning how to meal plan and manage her personal budget have been particularly impactful.

“That support with learning how to budget properly, how to shop, how to plan what I’m going to eat for the week and keep the house in order has helped me to feel like I’m ready to take this next step,” Alison said.

“I’m a little bit nervous but mostly excited and it feels good to know that I’ll have the support of the caregivers here behind me.”

Alison is due to finish her childcare course in July this year and is looking forward to starting work.

“I’m proud of how far I’ve come and I’m looking forward to the future in a way that I wasn’t able to before I came to Horizon House,” Alison said.

This Youth Week, Alison’s message to any young people who are thinking about entering the Horizon House Program is simple.

“You don’t have to do things alone, everyone here is in a similar situation, we’re all going through the same thing,” Alison said.

“The caregivers here are always there for you so you don’t have to bottle things up – talk to them. You’ll be surprised what you can achieve with the right support.”