Foyer Central resident Patrice, 20, was recently invited to attend the City of Sydney’s chambers as Lord Mayor Clover Moore’s special guest as she highlighted the role that initiatives like Foyer Central played in supporting the city’s young people to identify and accomplish their goals. 

Since moving into Foyer Central in August 2022, Patrice has generously shared her experiences and aspirations in tours conducted for the Lord Mayor and Councillors.

“I’ve been in foster care since I was two years old. I’ve been in a world of abusive homes and basically never had a childhood. I had to grow up quickly and have raised myself from the age of five. I haven’t been able to rely on anyone except myself.

“This is the first time I am living by myself. I like having my own place and my own space. The best part is being able to go down and get support if I need it, on my own terms. I love that about this place.”

Patrice, who is doing a traineeship, actively participates in the various activities at Foyer. “I have been taking time to participate in trivia, cooking and other activities,” she said.

Opening in March last year, thanks to a partnership between SGCH, Uniting, the City of Sydney, NSW government and Social Ventures Australia, this accommodation is the first of its kind in NSW. With 53 studio homes dedicated to housing young people between the ages of 18 to 23 exiting the out-of-home care system, Foyer offers wraparound support services and pathways to education and employment to provide stability for residents as they move towards independent living. 

Read more about Foyer Central.