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The HOPE Program for at-risk young women with babies

Walking alongside young families to build brighter futures.

At CatholicCare Sydney, we understand that the first 2,000 days of a child’s life are a critical window for shaping their future. The HOPE Program partners with young families during this sensitive time, providing tailored, holistic support to help them build safe, nurturing, and sustainable environments for their children.

Why HOPE?

Young parenthood often comes with significant challenges, including lower levels of education, unstable employment, inadequate housing, mental health issues, and increased risks of substance abuse. For children, the consequences can be serious, such as poorer neonatal health, higher infant mortality rates, developmental delays, behavioural issues, and a higher likelihood of involvement in the child protection and criminal justice systems. We know these outcomes are not always as a result of pregnancy, but in most cases have been realised in the context of pre-existing adverse childhood conditions, challenges and experiences.

The HOPE Program is designed to walk alongside young families, helping them overcome these challenges through integrated, person-centred care that meets their most pressing needs. The program empowers young parents by drawing on their strengths and resilience, enabling them to create a brighter and more stable future for themselves and their children.

What HOPE includes

The program provides up to 12 months of comprehensive support, focusing on:

  • Therapeutic Support: Addressing past trauma to help families heal and thrive
  • Parent Coaching: Equipping parents with the confidence and skills to strengthen bonds with their children
  • Practical Assistance: Ensuring access to housing, basic needs, and vital services
  • Education and Employment Pathways: Supporting parents to return to study or explore career options
  • Community Connections: Building peer networks and fostering a sense of belonging.

The difference HOPE makes

The HOPE Program’s impact is clear:

  • 86% of families completed the program as a preserved family unit
  • Young families are safe, together, and thriving across key areas of development
  • Parents feel supported and empowered to provide positive experiences for their children.

This early intervention and person-centred approach creates long-lasting change, breaking cycles of disadvantage and building strong foundations for future generations.

Thanks to our supporters

We are deeply grateful for the generous financial and in-kind contributions made throughout the year. Your support is the driving force behind the HOPE Program, allowing us to positively impact young lives and create a lasting legacy of hope and resilience.
Charitable Foundations
  • Curran Access Children’s Foundation
  • Charitable Works Fund
  • Betty Wade Charitable Foundation
Community Housing Providers
  • Amelie Housing
  • Hume Community Housing
  • Metro Community Housing
Government
  • NSW Health
Individuals and Family Foundations
  • Phillips Family Foundation
  • The Harris Family
  • Judith and Paul Beswick
  • Anthony and Gai Wales
  • Charles Mellick
  • D’Leanne Lewis
Corporate
  • Harris Farm Markets
  • Pallas Group
Community
  • Anawim
  • Dandelion Support Network
  • Bankstown RSL Club
  • Birrong Sports Club
  • Bankstown Sports Club
  • Club Ashfield
  • Club Marconi
  • DOOLEY’s Lidcombe Catholic Club
  • Liverpool Catholic Club

Join us in creating HOPE

While government funding often focuses on specific areas like health or social services, the HOPE Program’s broad approach does not fit neatly into existing funding streams. As a result, the program relies heavily on philanthropic contributions to continue its essential work.

Investing in early interventions for young families makes a profound difference—not just for their future but for the broader community. Every $1 invested in early childhood yields a $13 return through reduced future costs in health, welfare, and justice.

Here are some ways you can support HOPE:

If you are interested in any of the above opportunities, please contact us at fundraise@catholiccare.org