Pictured: Jessica Fraser, Community Engagement Officer, Angela Bontea, Executive Director, and Samantha Mearns, Strategic Partnerships Manager.
They say it takes a village to raise a child, but what if you don’t have one?
Imagine being 16 years old again and getting into trouble. What would happen? What if you had fallen pregnant? Who would help you?
When asked this question, most people conjure up an image of a parent, a grandparent or an aunty. You may receive a lecture, but they don’t turn you away. They may tell you off, but they make sure you and your baby are safe.
Now imagine the same situation, but this time you don’t have a parent, a grandparent or an aunty to turn to.
How can you possibly be expected to look after yourself, let alone a baby?
How can you possibly give your child something you’ve never known without support?
This is the reality for 20% of young women who have grown up in foster care, which is in stark contrast to the general population, of whom only 1.19% fall pregnant before they turn 18.
CASPA is building a village to bridge the gap for those that don’t have one.
A safe and nurturing environment where pregnant teenagers can stay, give birth and build their parenting knowledge while learning skills to help them achieve financial independence.
Just like these young mothers, CASPA can’t succeed alone.
CASPA is seeking a concessional loan of A$5 million at 3% interest to build The Village, a young mothers facility in rural NSW. Alternatively, there is opportunity for a partner to act as guarantor. CASPA is open to exploring other ways you could help bring this vision to life.
If you’d like to discuss your ideas or are interested in partnering with CASPA, please contact: Samantha Mearns, CASPA Strategic Partnerships, Community and Impacts Manager; 0436 322 874; samantha.mearns@caspa.org.au.