Who is Part of the Young Women's Program?

The Young Women’s program is offered to young women who would like a hand in making some changes in their life, young women who are concerned about the track they might be heading down.

Criteria

Young women aged 14-17 years
Recently or precariously connected to an education/employment pathway
Any criminal offences of a minor and non-violent nature – Evolve's programs are early intervention in nature
Residing in stable long-term accommodation
Young people with an intellectual disability or mental health concern will be assessed for suitability on a case-by-case basis
No serious ongoing substance use issues
Not pregnant
If she is a young mother, her child must not be dependent on her – it will not be possible to bring a child on program
A willingness to participate – Evolve's programs are entirely voluntary

Who's a part of the Young Women's Program?

Here are a few thoughts from young women who have started their journey with the Young Women's Program.

If you would like to talk to one of them directly, contact our intake team. The girls thought that it would have been good to speak to someone who knows what it's like, to know more about what this program looks like. If you'd like to talk to one of the girls by phone or online, they'd love to help you decide if it the Young Women's Program would be a good fit for you.

Emily

‘I’d love it if people weren’t quick to judge’ … ‘I want to be the way I am, I don’t want to be like everyone else’ … ‘I want to get mum and dad to trust me again’

Em wasn’t going to school much, people were worried about the risks she was taking, and wishing they felt more respect from her. Through some hard times, though, Emily kept care close by and stood strong to her principles. ‘I want her to find fun in the world again’ her grandma said…

Allana

After a tough couple of years, Allana lost her ‘happy funny cheerful self’. School wasn’t right for her any longer, and TAFE didn’t go so good either. Throughout the hard times, care for others stayed close but care for herself slipped. "I want to find the happiness again".

Shelley

Living in a residential unit, Rebecca has had deaths, drugs, anger, and abuse around her. Yet something makes her want to keep going – "I want to be a mum who’s there for my kids, I want to give them a better life than what I’ve had".

Serafina

"Because I want to experience new things, get away from everyone, be around new people to see who I really am"

Cassie-Anne

"Our family has been through some fairly traumatic and hard times…" Cassie-Anne has never really been able to fit into school… she is very much an individual and does not like being told what to do… she is kind hearted, willing to give things a go, and has leadership qualities.

Brooke

Why Evolve? "To help get my life back on track". What would that look like? "A good relationship with mum. Move back home. I want to see my boyfriend. I want mum to be able to trust me"

Tamara

"To get away from home for a while and have a break… I want to improve my attitude towards life, have more respect for my family and friends’

Why Evolve? "I’ve got a life… I gotta live it!"

To find out more about who comes on the Young Women's Program, or to get in touch with one of the past participants, contact our YWP Intake Team on 03 9416 2322 or via intake@evolve.org.au.