Help charity find forever homes

Published 12:00pm 27 May 2023

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.