Overview

A Girl Called Hope exists to see young women reach their full potential through participation in a structured, residential programme. The programme is open to women aged 16 – 28 years, and consists of the following three phases:

1. Intake
An application to the residential programme at A Girl Called Hope must be initiated by the young woman herself, as the success of this programme relies on the personal choice of the applicant who must demonstrate a sincere desire for change. Applications are reviewed by the Intake Co–ordinator who conducts an in–depth interview and presents the application to the intake committee. Successful applicants are supported through fortnightly contact with the Intake Co-coordinator until a place becomes available, and are supplied with books, CDs, and other resources to help the individual prepare for the residential programme.

2. Residential Programme
The young woman lives on–site in the home for approximately six months, and has a structured daily routine tailored to the issues she is working through. She is actively supported by professionals including the programme staff, dietician and counsellor, and a curriculum has been established which encompasses career advice, communication and life skills development as well as practical skills such as cooking, cleaning, budgeting. Each young woman participates in the daily running of the home, and is involved in recreation that includes team and community building activities. Every young woman receives counselling based on Christian principles.

3. Transitional Care
Every young woman is supported by a mentor who provides support for them in their community for 12 months following their graduation from the residential programme as well as being supported by the Transitional Care Coordinator at A Girl Called Hope.


Key Programme Components

Counselling
The programme participants attend an hour of individual counselling as well as two hours of group counselling each week. The young women address their personal issues as well as gaining essential building blocks necessary for developing healthy and honest relationships. In counselling, whether it is individual or with a group, the goal remains the same: to equip each young woman with the necessary tools to lead a successful life.

Education
A Girl Called Hope operates a daily structured teaching programme, which is holistic in approach and focuses on nurturing the following areas:
> Identity
> Relationships
> Character
> Purpose

Recreation
The young women participate in recreation every afternoon; activities include attending the gym, general sports, bush walks, shopping and community service.

Household Duties
Programme participants are practically involved in the range of activities associated with running a residential home. This includes undertaking supervised meal preparation and cleaning duties.

Graduation
At A Girl Called Hope, we celebrate the culmination of months of hard work, commitment to change and the renewal of hope and a future during our graduation ceremonies. The young women share this with staff, family and friends as they look forward to the promise of a bright future.