LIFT (Live in Freedom and Thrive) is a trauma recovery program developed by At The Ark to support individuals who have experienced the long-term impacts of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma. Many survivors struggle with ongoing emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges long after the abuse has ended. LIFT provides a ...
At The Ark
LIFT – Trauma Recovery Course
GOAL
$20,000
Australia > QLD > Metro and Regional
Field of Interest
- Health/wellbeing and medical research
- Individual/family services and support
Target Population
- General population
- Women and girls
At The Ark
At The Ark is a Queensland-based charity dedicated to supporting families impacted by child sexual abuse and domestic violence. Founded by Simon and Xena Schembri, At The Ark was born out of lived experience and a deep desire to see individuals and families find healing, safety and restoration.
Our vision is to help survivors move from trauma toward hope, healing and freedom. Through practical support, trauma-informed counselling, educational resources and community initiatives, At The Ark provides pathways for recovery while helping to prevent further harm.
Our programs include trauma recovery support through LIFT (Live in Freedom and Thrive), as well as the Brave Little Bear child protection book series, which helps children understand personal safety and empowers parents to have important conversations about protection and boundaries.
For over 15 years, At The Ark has worked directly with families affected by trauma and has developed trusted relationships within the community.
Our current priorities include expanding trauma recovery programs, increasing access to counselling services, and strengthening preventative education initiatives that equip families and communities to better recognise and respond to abuse.
Funding will enable At The Ark to expand these programs, increase access to support services, and develop resources that empower survivors to rebuild their lives and move toward healing and restoration.
Project Summary
LIFT (Live in Freedom and Thrive) is a trauma recovery program developed by At The Ark to support individuals who have experienced the long-term impacts of child sexual abuse, domestic violence, and other forms of trauma.
Many survivors struggle with ongoing emotional, relational, and spiritual challenges long after the abuse has ended. LIFT provides a safe and supportive environment where participants can begin the journey toward healing, freedom and renewed purpose.
The program is delivered through small group courses that combine trauma-informed teaching, guided reflection, and supportive discussion. Participants work through the LIFT workbook, written by Xena Schembri, which helps individuals understand the impact of trauma while equipping them with practical tools to rebuild their lives.
LIFT focuses on restoring identity, addressing the effects of trauma, and helping participants move toward healthier relationships and emotional wellbeing. The course also encourages participants to build supportive community connections so that healing continues beyond the program itself.
Funding will allow At The Ark to expand the delivery of LIFT courses, train additional facilitators, and make the program accessible to more survivors who may otherwise be unable to access trauma recovery support.
Through LIFT, survivors are empowered to move beyond surviving trauma and begin living in freedom and hope.
Project Outcomes
The primary outcome of the LIFT (Live in Freedom and Thrive) program is to support survivors of child sexual abuse, domestic violence and other forms of trauma to move from surviving toward healing, stability and renewed purpose. Through participation in the LIFT course, individuals gain a deeper understanding of how trauma has impacted their lives and are equipped with practical tools to support emotional recovery, healthier relationships and personal growth.
Participants are encouraged to rebuild a positive sense of identity, develop strategies for managing the ongoing effects of trauma, and connect with supportive community networks that promote long-term wellbeing. By providing a safe and structured environment, the program aims to reduce isolation, strengthen resilience and empower participants to move forward with greater confidence and hope.
Success will be measured through participant feedback, course completion rates and personal reflections that capture changes in participants’ confidence, wellbeing and outlook. We also monitor ongoing engagement with support networks and follow-up conversations with participants to understand the longer-term impact of the program.
Through LIFT, we aim to see individuals move beyond the limitations of past trauma and begin to live in greater freedom, stability and hope for the future.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $60,000
FUNDING
| Funding source | Amount |
|---|---|
| Light Up The Night Gala and Own Fundraising Efforts | $40,000 |
| Funding Gap | $20,000 |
EXPENSES
| Expense item | Amount |
|---|---|
| Venue Hire, Catering, Printing, Professional Facilitation Costs, Guest Speakers, Marketing, video production, travel expences | $60,000 |
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