Help charity find forever homes
Published 12:00pm 27 May 2023
Words by Nick Crockford
Youngcare is asking residents in the Moreton Bay Region to support young people with disabilities – such as James from North Lakes - find forever homes.
From now until 30 June, residents can make a tax-deductable donation to Youngcare’s annual Tax Appeal. To donate click here.
Funds will help build Specialist Disability Accommodation (SDA), provide funding for grant programs and run the Youngcare Connect support line offering free information and advice.
Helping hands
Over the last 17 years, supporters have helped Youngcare build SDA homes in 12 locations in Australia, creating more choice for people like James, from North Lakes.
James was five months old when he suffered a brain injury from lack of oxygen and was diagnosed with cerebral palsy, quadriplegia, epilepsy, muscular dystrophy, brain damage and blindness.
Now 29, James still requires 24-hour care. He is non-verbal, wheelchair-bound and fed through a tube to his stomach.
When James turned 21, his parents Dorcia and Barry realised they could no longer physically take care of James.
After a local supported independent living home failed to suit his needs, Dorcia reached out to the Youngcare Connect team and James was accepted into a Youngcare two-bedroom SDA apartment in North Lakes.
“It was the hardest thing we’ve ever done, but I would never take James away from here — this is his forever home,” Dorcia said.
Donors
Youngcare receives no ongoing government funding for its work, relying solely on the generosity of donors and supporters.
“We are grateful for our generous donors and supporters, without whom we wouldn’t be able to support young people with physical disabilities like James and their families when unexpected challenges arise,” Youngcare CEO Greg Johnson said.
Youngcare is delivering a pipeline of SDA to help meet demand, including developments at Jordan Springs in NSW and Riverhills, Everton Park and East Brisbane in Queensland.
Related Stories
$10 a week can change a life
A Local’s Guide to Burpengary with Simmone Gabriel
Dave Gleeson ready to “bring it”
Top Stories
Dave Gleeson ready to “bring it”
The Screaming Jets frontman Dave Gleeson promises a high-energy performance at Redcliffe’s Where We Belong Festival, celebrating live music, community spirit and the next generation of Australian rock talent.
Bray Park’s arts explosion
Bray Park State High School is experiencing an arts boom, with new creative programs, award-winning dance and music groups, a student art gallery and growing opportunities for young performers, artists and media creators.
Free workshops for environment day
Celebrate World Environment Day in Moreton Bay with free workshops, guided walks, nature journalling, bushfood education and ocean sustainability experiences at local environment centres.
Work starts on new Moreton Bay beach
A new beach is coming to Redcliffe as construction begins on the Crockatt Park Seawall Upgrade at Woody Point, delivering coastal protection, improved accessibility and a 60-metre stretch of sand by 2027.
Sunnylands Sourdough rises in Burpengary
From homemade loaves to a thriving shopfront, Sunnylands Sourdough Bakery is winning over Burpengary with handcrafted artisan bread, sourdough pastries and a strong connection to the local community.
Popular Stories
Donations rolling in for fire families
Donations are pouring in for three Clontarf families who lost everything in a devastating house fire. GoFundMe appeals have raised almost $35,000 as the Redcliffe community rallies to help them rebuild their lives.
Multi-million dollar Clubhouse under way
Discover the future of over-50s living at Thyme Lifestyle Resort Rothwell, where construction has begun on a multi-million dollar Clubhouse featuring resort-style amenities, social spaces and an active coastal lifestyle.
Bringing World Cup to Redcliffe
Redcliffe will host the 2026 Oceania Under 21 Junior World Cup Qualifier, welcoming elite hockey teams from across the Pacific to compete for a place at the FIH Junior World Cup and boosting the local economy.