GREAT START: Benevolent Society manager Rebecca Edwards, partnership broker Troy Kelly, Fusion staff member Bev Rankin, Naomi Stanley with sister Jess play with (front) Levi Maunder. Photo: NICOLE KUTER
JESS Stanley left school at a young age and became pregnant with her first child when she was 16.
Her future wasn't looking promising so she decided to do something about it.
She enrolled in the Mums and Bubs partnership. A program designed to give mothers between the age of 15 and 21 the best chance of getting a job and learning the necessary skills to be a well-equipped mums.
Miss Stanley enrolled in the pilot program last year. She said she has learnt computer skills, literacy skill and numeracy skills.
She then completed a course at TAFE and recently got a job at Mission Australia. She wakes up everyday proud of her achievements.
“I wanted to be a good role model for my kids,” she said.
But Miss Stanley's determination didn't stop there.
“I am an Aboriginal and I wanted to prove that we can do it,” she said.
Partnership broker Troy Kelly said this year's program is run in two stages. The first stage teaches young mums pre and post natal care, tips on breast and formula feeding, nutrition, health and hygiene. The most important aspect being that young mums develop networks and connections with professionals and women in the same position. The program is run within community playgroups.
“With significant numbers of young mothers in the area, but limited opportunities and supports to participate in education, training and employment, the Mums and Bubs program was developed to assist,” Mr kelly said.
As part of stage two of the program the mums enrol in a TAFE course.
“The mums are in a capable position as a parent, able to utilise mainstream childcare, return to school, enrol in TAFE, or seek employment options with ongoing support,” Mr Kelly said.
Get in contact with the Mums and Bubs program by calling 6393 8600.