Code Purple Refuge

Pathways to Empowerment

Pathways to Empowerment

Pathways to Empowerment is a 12-month support program developed by Code Purple Refuge to assist individuals, particularly youth, affected by homelessness, domestic violence and intergenerational trauma. The project provides a safe, structured environment where participants can rebuild confidence, learn essential life skills and reconnect with education or employment pathways. The program combines trauma-informed mentoring, mental ...

GOAL

$15,000

Australia > National / Multi-state > Metro and Regional

Field of Interest

  • Community and economic development
  • Housing and homelessness

Target Population

  • People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability
  • People experiencing or at risk of homelessness
Code Purple Refuge Code Purple Refuge

Code Purple Refuge Limited is a registered Australian charity and Public Benevolent Institution (PBI) dedicated to supporting individuals and families impacted by domestic violence, homelessness and complex trauma. Founded to address critical service gaps, we provide practical, emotional and educational support to those in crisis, with a strong focus on safety, dignity and long-term recovery.

Our programs are designed to empower people, particularly youth and marginalised groups, to rebuild their lives through wraparound support services that include emergency aid, trauma-informed mentoring, life skills development and access to stable accommodation pathways. We adopt a client-led approach that respects individual circumstances while providing structured opportunities for healing and growth.

Code Purple operates with a strong commitment to early intervention and community-based solutions. We collaborate with schools, mental health professionals and local agencies to deliver integrated support, ensuring no one falls through the cracks. All services are low-barrier, culturally inclusive and delivered by qualified professionals and trained volunteers.

Our ultimate goal is to break cycles of abuse and disadvantage by fostering independence, resilience and hope. As a DGR-endorsed organisation, we rely on community partnerships, philanthropy and evidence-based practices to drive meaningful and lasting change.

Project Summary

Pathways to Empowerment is a 12-month support program developed by Code Purple Refuge to assist individuals, particularly youth, affected by homelessness, domestic violence and intergenerational trauma. The project provides a safe, structured environment where participants can rebuild confidence, learn essential life skills and reconnect with education or employment pathways.

The program combines trauma-informed mentoring, mental health support and practical skill-building to address the root causes of disadvantage. Participants take part in workshops covering financial literacy, tenancy readiness, communication skills, digital literacy and wellbeing practices. For young people disengaged from school or training, we offer alternative learning support, creative engagement opportunities and referral pathways tailored to their needs.

Pathways to Empowerment focuses on early intervention and sustainable outcomes. By providing consistent, respectful support and community connection, the program helps individuals stabilise their lives, set goals and begin to thrive. Each participant receives a personalised support plan and is guided by a dedicated case coordinator.

Delivered by qualified staff and supported by community partners, this program is designed to be low-barrier, inclusive and replicable in other regions. Code Purple’s trauma-informed approach ensures that all services prioritise safety, dignity and agency.

The expected outcomes include increased emotional resilience, improved social connection, enhanced independent living capacity and re-engagement with education or employment. Pathways to Empowerment is not just a program but a foundation for lasting change.

Project Outcomes

The Pathways to Empowerment project aims to deliver measurable improvements in the lives of participants affected by domestic violence, homelessness and social exclusion. Through structured support, the project will increase emotional resilience, personal agency and long-term self-sufficiency.

Participants will gain practical life skills including financial literacy, communication, tenancy readiness and digital competency. These foundational capabilities will enable individuals to better manage their lives, navigate services independently and pursue sustainable housing, employment or education pathways.

We expect improved mental health outcomes, with participants reporting reduced anxiety, increased confidence and stronger coping strategies through access to trauma-informed counselling and mentoring. The program also fosters community engagement, helping individuals build trust and social networks that reduce isolation.

A minimum of 75 percent of participants are expected to complete the full program. Of those, we aim for at least 60 percent to transition into education, training, employment or stable housing within three months of completion. Regular wellbeing check-ins and goal tracking will provide clear indicators of progress, while case studies will capture qualitative insights.

By the end of the project, Code Purple will have a refined, replicable program model suitable for expansion across other high-need communities. The impact will extend beyond individual outcomes, contributing to broader systems change by demonstrating the value of trauma-informed, community-led support models for vulnerable populations.

Budget Breakdown

TOTAL BUDGET: $50,000
FUNDING
Funding source Amount
Grants $23,000
Donations $12,000
Funding Gap $15,000
EXPENSES
Expense item Amount
Program Materials and Resources $12,000
Venue Hire and Utilities $10,000
Participant Support $8,000
Mental Health Services $7,500
Equipment and Technology $5,000
Marketing and Outreach $4,500
Program Evaluation and Reporting $3,000

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Contact Us
Level 6, 126 Wellington Parade, East Melbourne VIC 3002

We acknowledge Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the first inhabitants and Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live, learn and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.

Australian Communities Foundation is a proudly inclusive organisation and an ally of LGBTQIA+ communities and the movement toward equality.