SIS Next Step Home Story

SISTERS

INSIDE

ISSUE NO.01

Next Step Home Program

November 2024

MICHELE, CARISSA AND PAULA - SISTERS INSIDE TOWNSVILLE

FROM THE TEAM I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to walk alongside the women we supported through the Program. It has been a privilege to witness their journeys and growth, and I am thankful for the lessons I have learned along the way.

The women drove most of their experience on the Program, and my role was to provide support based on what they needed and requested. For some, this support was needed once a week or fortnight; for others, it was more frequent—every two or three days.

At times, support simply meant being available on the other end of the phone during moments that could have escalated into crisis. At other times, it involved being there in person to offer a helping hand. Many of the women left prison feeling stressed, anxious, and uncertain about what life would be like after release. It was an honour to support them through both the successes and the challenges they faced.

One of the most significant highlights of my experience was that, for the first time in my career working with criminalised women, I was able to offer my support without judgment or concern about mandatory reporting. This created a space where the women could trust that their needs were being met with compassion and understanding, not with a sense of surveillance or risk of punishment.

It’s also incredibly rewarding to know that, for some women, our support didn’t end when their time with the Program did. The ongoing trust and connection they have with Sisters Inside is a testament to the impact we’ve had in their lives.

Paula

PAULA, NEXT STEP HOME SUPPORT WORKER

01

SISTERS INSIDE - NEXT STEP HOME PROGRAM

A PLACE TO CALL

HOME

SISTERS INSIDE - NEXT STEP HOME PROGRAM

blurb here about setting up the homes for mums and children

02

03

SISTERS INSIDE - NEXT STEP HOME PROGRAM

AMY’S JOURNEY “The support given from SIS has changed my life and I believe if the support was not there I would not have been able to achieve what I have.”

Amy joined the Next Step Home program following her release in September 2023. Shortly after, in October 2023, Amy gave birth to her daughter. With no prior employment history and no family in Townsville, Amy faced significant challenges as she aimed to rebuild her life.

In April 2024, Amy began a Certificate III in Hospitality at Cowboys House. Throughout the course, Amy received crucial support from the SIS team, who helped her arrange daycare for her young daughter.

Despite these challenges, Amy excelled in her studies and successfully completed the course in June 2024. Her outstanding performance led to an invitation to speak at Cowboys House Information Sessions, where she now shares her experiences to inspire future participants.

Following her course completion, Amy secured part-time employment in the hospitality industry. She has embraced this opportunity with enthusiasm, consistently attending all offered shifts and expressing genuine enjoyment in her work. Amy’s engagement with the SIS has been overwhelmingly positive. Amy has suggested the support given from SIS has changed her life and she believes if the support was not there she would not have been able to achieve what she has.

Looking ahead, Amy has set her sights on moving into the private rental market. She is determined to provide a better environment for her daughter, different from the social housing she experienced growing up. Currently, Amy is transitioning into another head lease with the Department, aiming to eventually secure private housing.

Amy is diligently saving money to purchase a car, which will significantly ease her commute to work and enhance her ability to support her daughter. Her story is a testament to the impact of dedicated support systems and her own resilience and determination.

SISTERS INSIDE - NEXT STEP HOME PROGRAM

04

*MANDY’S STORY This explores the inspiring journey of Mandy, a single woman from the Torres Strait Islands, who overcame domestic violence and incarceration. It focuses on her journey after joining the Next Step Home program, allowing Mandy to regain their independence and rebuild her life.

Mandy, a woman born and raised in the Torres Strait Islands had experienced a life of domestic violence and a cycle that ended by landing in prison. When Mandy was released, this marked a turning point in her life. Mandy was referred and accepted on to the Next Step Home program. Mandy had endured a toxic relationships and domestic violence. This trauma had a impact on her mental and emotional well-being. Mandy criminalised to due to DV. Upon release, Mandy begin her journey on the Next Step Home Program, settling in a beautiful 2 bedroom unit near the strand (Beach), reminding Mandy of her homelands in the Torres Strait. This program offered her a safe and stable place to live - a critical factor in Mandy’s healing process.

Mandy receives comprehensive support from her support worker and counsellors who are supporting to address her physical, emotional, and mental health needs.

Mandy has just been successful in her first employment since release. Mandy is working beach front cleaning and is loving this role and meeting new people.

With the help of counselling and therapy, Mandy slowly began to rebuild her self-esteem an confidence, realising her worth and potential. Mandy has engaged in a training course that is providing training in essential Rural operations but also in life skills, including financial literacy, time management, and conflict resolution, empowering Mandy to make better choices.

Mandy's strong connection to her Torres Strait Islander heritage gives her strength and a sense of belonging by reconnecting with her family, mending strained relationships and finding emotional support.

Mandy's journey from domestic violence and incarceration to independence and recovery is a testament to the transformative power of programs like Next Step Home. By providing stable housing, comprehensive support, and opportunities for growth, this program has empowered Mandy to break cycles of trauma, ultimately leading to brighter hopeful future.

Mandy's story serves as a powerful example of resilience and the potential for positive change, even in the face of immense adversity.

05

SISTERS INSIDE - NEXT STEP HOME PROGRAM

OUR IMPACT

2018 - 2021 AND MAY 2023 - NOVEMBER 2024

#

#

WOMEN ACCEPTED INTO THE PROGRAM

# 14 ARE IN HEADLEASES AND 1 IN DEPT OF HOUSING PROPERTY

CHILDREN LIVING WITH THEIR MUM

# WOMEN DIDN’T RETURN TO PRISON

# WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN SAFE AND STABLE HOMES

SISTERS INSIDE - NEXT STEP HOME PROGRAM

06

ISSUE NO.01

November 2025

SISTERS

INSIDE www.sistersinside.com.au

www.sistersinside.com.au

www.sistersinside.com.au

www.sistersinside.com.au