Hope Needs a Home: A story of stability and support

For many of us, “home” is something we rarely have to think about. It’s simply there. A place where life settles, where we feel known, where the day begins and ends with a sense of familiarity. 

But for children in out-of-home care, home can feel uncertain. 

Rebuilding that sense of stability takes time. 

Ethan* entered primary school carrying more than any child should. 

Having experienced trauma and now living in out-of-home care, learning often felt overwhelming and confidence was hard to find. Reading, writing and maths brought frustration, and school was a place where he struggled to feel settled and secure. 

Through a tutoring program delivered in partnership with the Churches of Christ Children Youth & Families team, Ethan was matched with a dedicated Learning Support Mentor.

Week by week, they worked together one-on-one, focusing first on trust, then building confidence, and gradually strengthening learning skills. 

Over time, things began to shift. 

Ethan became more willing to have a go, more comfortable speaking up, and more engaged with learning. 

By the end of the program, his carers and teachers noticed that he was taking on challenges independently and showing pride in his progress. 

For children like Ethan, Hope Needs a Home means more than a safe place to live. It means stable, caring relationships and the support they need to believe in themselves and move forward with confidence. 

At Churches of Christ, this kind of work happens every day. 

It’s our privilege to walk alongside children and young people experiencing change - helping to create the stability, encouragement, and support they need to engage with learning and grow in confidence. 

And every day, we see how steady support can help young people begin to find their footing again.

Every day, children and young people in out-of-home care benefit from the support of people and programs that help them feel safe, valued, and capable of achieving their potential.

Through mentoring, education support, and caring relationships, Churches of Christ works alongside children, young people, and carers to create brighter futures and stronger foundations for life.

But the need for support continues.

You can help provide practical support, opportunities, and hope for children and families experiencing vulnerability and hardship.

Donate today and help ensure more young people like Ethan have access to the encouragement, stability, and support they need to thrive.

Because when children feel supported and secure, confidence grows, opportunities open up, and brighter futures become possible.

*Name changed for privacy