Horizon House's Young Mother and Baby Program shortlisted for national award

11 Oct 2019

11 October 2019 

The Program has been shortlisted for the Excellence in Ending Homelessness – Children and Families category which recognises programs, organisations or partnerships that have made an outstanding contribution to preventing or ending homelessness in Victoria for children and families.

The Young Mother and Baby Program provides stable accommodation and individualised support to young mothers aged 16 to 22 years old who are experiencing, or at risk of, homelessness.

Young women are able to access support during their pregnancy and into their motherhood journey, with professional workers delivering support and case management to enable young mothers to move towards independent living.

The service, which commenced operation in Bendigo in November 2017, is the only program in Victoria that provides long-term residential support to vulnerable young mothers.

The Victorian Homelessness Achievement Awards recognise work being done across the homelessness sector, highlighting best practice and increasing the visibility of programs entered.

St John of God Social Outreach State Manager Youth Services East, Susanne Wells, said she was proud by the nomination which is a reflection of the dedication and hard work of all the youth workers at the Young Mother and Baby Program.

“It is very humbling to be shortlisted among other prominent organisations and to know that the great work that we do is being recognised and noticed across the sector,” Susanne said.

The winners of the awards will be announced at the Victorian Homelessness Conference on 14 October.