Staying power transcript

Kassie: I first met Courtney when she was referred by her school to Mission Australia, who thought that she could benefit from the services that Mission Australia could provide for her.

She was a young person that had been through a lot.

Through our Targeted Earlier Intervention Program, I had the confidence that I could support her and give her the confidence that she needed to benefit her in her future life.

It was all centered around her.

Courtney: I met Kassie when I was 14, she’s a really, really good caseworker.

She never gives up on you, she guided me in the right path and she was so supportive with everything.

Kassie: Courtney and I have developed a very valuable and meaningful relationship. She knows where to come if she wants to have a chat. I’m always here 24/7.

Courtney’s really benefitted from our program and our educational life skills programs that we have.

Our partnership with DCJ is very important. It has been able to provide Courtney with the support that she’s needed through the program.

Courtney: Kassie introduced me to a Fit for Work program which was a 10 week course. It covers literacy and numeracy and prepares you to get a job and that’s really important in life.

Now that I’ve turned 18, I’ve been moved over to a different caseworker which is Mary, but she’s really lovely and I know she’s only one call away.

Mary: My job now as Courtney's case manager is ensuring that she’s got the right amount of support and services throughout the ages of 18-25 and to help her along the way in what she wants to do next in her journey.

I’ve been working alongside Kassie in supporting Courtney into moving into her new home, which is very exciting.

Kassie: When Courtney turned 18, we did identify that she needed her own home to live in, so we referred her to a housing provider who has provided her with her own home.

Courtney loves her new home and we have the confidence that, with the right supports and services, she will be able to maintain her accommodation.

Courtney: Kassie has helped me to find a new apartment and it’s so beautiful and I get to live my life to the fullest now.

Kassie: She’s becoming a strong, independent woman and we’re really proud of how far she has come and how confident she is within herself.