Kiarra’s Story

At 14 years of age, Kiarra found herself homeless. A difficult home life and no family support had left Kiarra with no choice but to go it alone.

Kiarra learnt to support herself while trying to finish school, a balancing act that no teenager should have to go through.

School helped keep her on track but once it finished her support group of friends and teachers fell away and she was once again alone.

That was until she wandered into PCYC Sunshine Coast one day and was taken under the wing of PCYC Sunshine Coast Youth Club Manager Sergeant Mick Hughes.

Sergeant Hughes referred Kiarra to Team Up, a hands-on social skills program that helps young people focus on leadership qualities, emotional intelligence, resilience and communication skills. From there Kiarra hopes to participate in the State Youth Leadership Program, which develops the skills of the leaders of tomorrow.

Another PCYC Queensland program, Braking the Cycle, helped her obtain her driver’s license.

Talking about Kiarra’s journey so far, Sergeant Hughes said the change has been heartwarming to see. “She’s been a shining light, a really happy person everyday with a healthy attitude to life which is inspiring,” he said.

Kiarra said for some young people PCYC is one of the few places they can turn to if they’re in need.

“It gives someone a safe place to go when they have nowhere else to go.”