Karinya Crisis Accommodation
Karinya Crisis Accommodation provides emergency, short-term accommodation for young women aged 13-20 who are facing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
We work within a trauma-informed practice framework alongside young women to identify goals, skills and strengths. The young women staying at Karinya are encouraged to engage in education, training and employment and establish connections within the community to build confidence and resilience. Karinya aims to provide a supportive transition to independence in instances where family reunification is not possible.
What We Offer:
Safe and Affordable Accommodation
24/7 Support
Empowerment Through Education and Training
Community Connections
Support Services:
We work with young women to develop essential life and living skills that enable a pathway to transition to independent living.
Comprehensive Support Services:
Life Skills Development: Connection with education, training, employment, and community engagement.
Living Skills Development: Cooking, cleaning, budgeting, and acquiring other practical skills.
Culturally Appropriate Services: Respecting the diversity of cultures. The service is inclusive and sensitive to cultural practices, beliefs, and preferences.
Personalised Support: Referrals to specialised services. Our goal is to ensure that everyone receives the specific support they need.
Affordable Board Fee: For those with an income, a weekly board fee of $100* is charged. This fee covers all related expenses, including food, electricity, and internet.
(*Please note that this amount is subject to change.)
Karinya Young Mums (KYM)
The KYM program addresses the needs of young parents and pregnant young women aged 15-19 years in Northern Tasmania by providing an early intervention service that includes accommodation with intensive wrap-around support, targeting the individual needs of parents and their children. The program offers secure housing and a safe environment for their family, providing them with the opportunity to look for work or start their education.
The properties are provided through HomesTas and managed by Karinya.
Program Information
The KYM case managers liaise with other service providers and facilitate case conferences to ensure that clients’ needs and goals are being met. A key focus for all participants is the development of parenting skills and links with education and training opportunities.
At the core of the program is the provision of short term accommodation of up to two years.
When a property becomes available, the eligible young person is supported through the tenancy process including lease sign-up, maintenance expectations, and payment processes. The KYM workers can assist them with tasks such as electricity connection, obtaining furniture and setting up their unit. Education and support around basic living skills are key to supporting clients to maintain stable accommodation.
Exit planning is a critical part of the case plan and will be different for each participant. Some clients may need the full two years of support and others may need less. As our program is unique we are able to be adaptive and responsive to each individual client’s needs and requirements. A client who has exited from the program will have the skills, knowledge and information to access alternative support and services in the community.
Refer someone or yourself by calling us on 03 6334 8403 or email kymprogram@kyws.org.au.
KYM Group
KYM Group, made possible by a grant from the Kimberly Foundation, is a supportive community that meets weekly, providing a welcoming space for KYM participants to come together, share experiences, and access valuable resources. Our mission is to empower young parents by promoting a supportive environment and connecting them with essential services.
Program Information
Our program offers carefully curated weekly sessions tailored to meet the specific needs of young parents. Throughout the schedule, we facilitate dynamic sessions featuring guest speakers who share valuable insights and provide support to our community.
Activities:
Naidoc Week Celebration
Nature Play
Photobooth Fun
Feeling Safe Craft SessionHeadspace Visit
Book Week and Group Rules Review
Pediatric Doctor Visit from ED
Kindergym Outing at PCYC
Chat & Chill Session
Salvation Army Doorways to Parenting Visit
Playgroup Tas Visit
Relationships Australia Family Dispute Resolution (FDR) Visit
Women's Legal Consultation
Anglicare Financial Counselling Session
Bringing Up Great Kids (BUGK) Program
Christmas Cook-Up & Craft Activity
Christmas Lunch Celebration
Swim Classes
These activities are designed to provide support, education, and enjoyment for young parents in our community.
What Participants and Speakers Say
The positive feedback from our guest speakers reflects the impact KYM Group has on young parents and the community:
"Think it's a great space for young mums to have non-judgmental contact with services."
"Fantastic service! It was great to meet with the mums and Sarah. Thank you for providing an amazing service to young mums and our community."
"Service is wonderful in linking people to support. Thank you for your time to discuss our service."
"Great opportunity to connect with mums, builds confidence, empowers women/mums with information. Friendly, great communication, flexible, and a great group!"
"A fantastic service for young parents. Friendly and welcoming."
"Inclusive, open, and approachable."
Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy (KYTT)
KYTT is available for a young person aged 16 to 24 who is at risk of or currently experiencing homelessness. Our program provides safe, affordable, and suitable transitional housing for up to two years with intensive wrap around support tailored to the young person's needs.
Program Information
All young people in our program receive dedicated support from our KYTT Case Manager and Living and Life Skill Educator. Operating within a trauma-informed practice framework, we acknowledge the experiences of young people who have faced homelessness, understanding the trauma they may have endured. We recognise the profound effects of trauma on mental, physical, and emotional well-being, and we are committed to addressing its lasting impact.
Transitional Housing: Our program provides safe and affordable transitional housing for up to two years as a foundation for addressing homelessness.
Access to Education, Training, Employment, and Income: Supporting a young person with accessing education and training, increasing opportunities to find employment and achieving financial independence.
Health and Wellbeing Support: To enhance a young person’s wellbeing to improve their quality of life, encourage self-sufficiency, and connect with external services.
Social Inclusion: Providing a young person with opportunities to build positive relationships, connect with supportive networks, engage with their community, maintain cultural ties, and participate in meaningful activities