With a baby on the way, 16 year old Zac and Hayley were staring down the barrel of being homeless and having to drop out of high school.
Zac and Hayley were just 16 when they found out they were going to be parents. Unfortunately they didn’t have a stable home.
They were living with Zac’s mum in a small unit, made smaller still by his mum’s long running battle with severe depression and anxiety. They couldn’t live with Hayley’s parents because of the substance abuse.
With a baby on the way it was only going to get harder.
Private rental wasn’t an option – they wouldn’t even get a look in twice with realtors because of their age. They had a social worker looking for places, but none seemed the right fit. Zac had goals but no direction to reach them.
Finally a place came up at a Salvation Army youth residential program. After Hayley gave birth to their son Ethan, they moved in and for the next two years were supported to complete their schooling as well as raise their child.
We helped Hayley complete her VCE with a baby and also helped Zac secured an electrician apprenticeship. Zac now works 5 days a week to support his family and the three of them currently live in a private rental.
Today, Zac and Hayley are living independently, working, and raising their little boy Ethan in a stable family environment.
Their success is owed to the generous support we receive from amazing people like you. Your gift today will help prevent more young people like Zac and Hayley from becoming homeless.
Please donate to the Red Shield Appeal.