Warrior Women Foundation expands reach to Hunter Valley
Young women in the Hunter Valley will soon be able to access much-needed support services with the beloved Warrior Women Foundation (WWF). Formed in 2020, the initiative was created by social entrepreneur and previous NSW Woman of the Year winner Jessica Brown. After her experience of being a high school teacher in South Western Sydney, Jessica noticed several students at risk of falling through the cracks of the education and welfare systems. With her knowledge and experience, she successfully developed and ran several charities over the past 20 years, including the Life-Changing Experiences Foundation.
Her undying commitment has helped change the lives of hundreds of teenage girls across NSW, Victoria and Queensland. Continuing her legacy, the WWF provides holistic-evidence based support programs for vulnerable young Australian women aged 17-25+ who lack the necessary support to become resilient and independent. “Statistics say one in two young people leaving care will end up either homeless, unemployed, incarcerated or a first-time parent, within the first 12 months. We want to be able to support that gap,” said Jessica.
The organisation’s main focus currently lies on young women at risk of not completing high school, leaving the out-of-home care system or those in need of guidance and direction. In May 2024, the WWF was awarded a $150,000 grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charity Fund to expand their flagship Young Warrior Woman Program (YWWP) to the Newcastle/Hunter region.
Currently based out of major cities including Brisbane and Sydney, Jessica said she’s excited for the regional expansion. “Many of the services we have talked to have said there is a need for this in the Hunter, so it is something we’re really excited to bring.” It’s the first time this 6-month service will be available in the area, providing life-skills education, mental health support, and connection to a safe and nurturing group of female mentors.
Targeted to women aged 17-25, the YWWP bridges the gap between adolescence and the “emerging adulthood” stage, focusing on financial literacy and job readiness, trauma healing, self-awareness, and personal growth. While the program is currently still in the development stage, YWWF is exploring partnership opportunities in Newcastle with the aim to take referrals from early 2025.
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Story by Olivia Goeldner
