Ampe Akweke House offers residential and outreach support to young women between the ages of 14 and 24 years and who are pregnant or have a baby that is under 2 years old. The program aims to meet the immediate needs of pregnant women and/or their baby who are unable to reside with family and are at risk of homelessness. Short or long term crisis accommodation is provided with the option for a female family member to stay as a support person providing assistance and support to maintain family and community connections. The house offers 5 bedrooms with reverse cycle air conditioning, queen sized beds, fresh linen and a bassinet or cot for their child. The women are welcomed with a range of personal hygiene products, and once settled, have opportunity to participate in preparing and cooking daily meals in a shared kitchen. Other facilities include a shared lounge and dining area, laundry facilities, two bathrooms, WIFI and computer access and the enjoyment of a large outdoor area. Babies or children also have provision of a large range of age appropriate toys. Comprehensive, inclusive case management is provided, encompassing medium to long term case planning to support the achievement of realistic goals such as how to:
- Sustain tenancy or prevent tenancy failure or eviction
- Navigate family/domestic violence
- Obtain/maintain any government allowances and manage banking and budgeting requirements
- Enhance parenting skills and parental capacity and develop strategies to navigate challenging social/behavioural problems
- Attend antenatal and postnatal appointments.
- Access education and support through maternity support services such as Alukura, ASH maternity ward and ANFPP
- Develop support networks, build social connections and connect culturally