Youngcare is asking residents in the Moreton Bay Region to support young people with disabilities – such as James from North Lakes - find forever homes, the Moreton Bay Daily reports.
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.
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.
Youngcare receives no ongoing government funding for its work, relying solely on the generosity of donors and supporters.
FULL STORY
Help charity find forever homes (Moreton Daily)
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