A bright future ahead for young mum, Lillian

13 Apr 2023

Lillian joined the St John of God Horizon House Young Mother and Baby Program in Perth in August 2022 and gave birth to her baby boy Maleek just a few days later. 

Our Young Mother and Baby Program (YMBP) provides accommodation and support to vulnerable young mothers aged 16 to 22 located in Perth and Bendigo. The program supports young women through pregnancy and early motherhood, helping them develop essential life and parenting skills and ultimately, successfully transition to living independently.

In the past eight months, Lillian has achieved things she couldn’t previously have imagined. 

Leaving high school early, Lillian had low literacy, but with support from the team at Horizon House YMBP she gained the confidence to complete her Online Literacy and Numeracy Assessment as the first step towards her goal of studying either education or aged care – she is currently in the process of organising two work experience placements to determine which industry she prefers.

Lillian is also well on her way to reaching another significant goal, obtaining her driver’s license, and knows it will be a transformational step.

“I’ll be able to start working as I’ll be able to drive myself to work and Maleek to day care. I’ll feel more independent and I’ll be in more control of my own life.”
 
St John of God Horizon House Support Coordinator, Sharon Collins has seen tremendous growth in Lillian in the time she’s been in the program. 

“Lillian is more self-aware, she’s confident, responsible, and able to positively take on board advice and feedback. She’s learned how to navigate her own self-care and to stand up for herself against challenging behaviour,” Sharon said 

“She has also been able to set and achieve goals for her education, employment and has experienced significant personal growth.

“Lillian’s developed a strong attachment with her baby boy, Maleek and has built a routine to manage his feeding, sleeping and other needs as well as her own personal commitments. Perhaps most importantly, she’s learned that asking for help is not a weakness.” 

Lilian says accessing the Horizon House Young Mother and Baby Program has been life changing.

“Because of the support from Horizon House, I have been able to keep Maleek in my care,” Lillian said.  
Through the program I’ve had good role models and guidance to build routines, care for my baby, and be the best mum I can be. 

“The staff have also helped me to go back to school and I’ve become more mature and responsible.”

Lillian is excited about her future with Maleek and is looking forward to moving to independent living. 

“It might be a bit scary at first, but I’m feeling so much stronger now and more confident being a single mum. I can’t thank Horizon House enough for helping me to set my future on a new path.”

Find out more about St John of God Horizon House Young Mother and Baby Program.  

A special thank you to Spinifex Trust for their ongoing support to St John of God Horizon House and funding for the Driver Education Program, which enabled Lillian to carry out her driver’s education and training.