Dreaming Big: Isabella's Journey and the Power of Support

Isabella's* early life was fraught with challenges that many children could never imagine. Born to a mother from the Philippines, Isabella's mother left when she was just a toddler, but did not return. To make matters worse, her father suffered from multiple strokes throughout his life, and one particularly debilitating stroke left him in a wheelchair when Isabella was still very young.

At just a few years old, Isabella entered foster care when she was placed with a short-term foster carer family while her long-term care options were being explored. Her first foster family was a short-term placement.

A New Beginning

When Isabella met her long-term foster carers, Angela and Michael*, at the age of three, she found a family that would play a role in supporting her through her childhood and into adulthood. 

Isabella's childhood was filled with adventures and happy moments. As a fun-loving young woman with a large group of friends, Isabella built lasting connections she could rely on. Engaging in hobbies like playing musical instruments, shopping, and enjoying beach days with friends helped her build confidence and self-esteem - experiences that aren't always available to every teenager, but are essential for their growth and wellbeing.

Recently, Isabella took a major step in her journey: she moved out of her foster home, marking a new chapter of independence. With the help of Anglicare, Isabella was able to set up a studio apartment near her foster family. This move represented more than just a physical relocation - it was the beginning of her adulthood, a sign that she was ready to take on new challenges and chase bigger dreams.

The Power of Support: A Relationship That Made a Difference

One person who has been especially important in Isabella's journey is her Case Manager, Amaris. Isabella and Amaris formed a close relationship over time, and their bond grew stronger as Amaris offered support and guidance. The two used to meet regularly at a local cafe;, where Amaris would provide both emotional and practical support. Recently, with Amaris' encouragement, Isabella even approached the cafe owners for a part-time job - and today, she's proud to say she works there!

Amaris' dedication to young people like Isabella is a driving force behind her work at Anglicare.

"Being able to work to support Isabella has been the highlight of my time at Anglicare," said Amaris. 

Her passion for helping vulnerable children and young people is a powerful reminder that the right support can make all the difference.

Isabella's journey is proof that with a little help, no dream is too big. Today, Isabella is ready to take her next major step - pursuing a Bachelor of Psychology at Macquarie University. Her long-term goal is to complete a Master's degree and become a clinical psychologist, where she can give back to others in the same way that so many people have supported her along the way.

Above: Amaris, Anglicare Case Worker

At Anglicare, it's not just about providing services - it's about helping young people like Isabella find their path, unlock their potential, and make their dreams a reality. Stories like Isabella's are living proof of the power of support and the importance of foster care in changing lives for the better.

If you've ever considered becoming a foster carer or supporting foster families, now is the perfect time to get involved. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved. To learn more about becoming a foster carer and making a difference, visit Anglicare Foster Care

*Names and images have been changed to protect privacy and confidentiality.