SHINE for Kids

Every Child Deserves a Chance to Shine

By Katrina McDowell on Jan 31, 2025 in Giving, Global

Did you know that there are over 44,000 children in Australia with a parent in prison? Children with a parent in prison are some of the most vulnerable in our society, often facing stigma, isolation, and limited opportunities. That’s where this Yardi-supported nonprofit steps in and supports children to give them a chance to shine.

SHINE for Kids was established in 1982 in Sydney, Australia and is dedicated to supporting children and young people affected by the criminal justice system. The “invisible victims” are faced with complex, overlapping challenge factors, including family breakdown, poverty, isolation, trauma, emotional distress, interrupted education, stigma and shame, which puts them at risk. They are six times as likely as their peers to end up in the justice system themselves, with 52 percent of young people in youth detentions and 66 percent of those youth having had a parent in prison.

SHINE for Kids delivers innovative programs and interventions for at-risk children and young people affected by the criminal justice system from infancy through adolescence. SHINE for Kids helps break cycles of incarceration and offenders and builds futures where young people can thrive.

SHINE for Kids programs include:

• Child & Family Programs (in-custody, in-community)
• Child & Parent Days (in custody)
• Prison visits and Facilitated Playgroup
• Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander Programs
• Rise (K-6 Social & Emotional Wellbeing Program)
• Youth Justice Mentoring (for young people transitioning out of custody)
• Rise 11-15 (Youth Community Mentoring)

SHINE for Kids aims to expand its Rise Mentoring Program to reach more children and grow the Stand as One program that provides peer support for children and young people in correctional facilities to help them transition successfully into the community. Funding from Yardi supports the delivery and expansion of these programs. Funding enables them to provide essential program resources and targeted financial assistance to vulnerable participants and facilitates transportation and activities that ensure children and families can access their services.

“We are deeply grateful for Yardi’s commitment to supporting children impacted by parental incarceration,” said Rachel Eggers, fundraising and grants lead for SHINE for Kids.

She continued, “Yardi’s generosity ensures that these young people have access to vital mentoring and support programs, helping to break the cycle of disadvantage and empower them to live more positive futures.”

Liam’s Journey

Through the SHINE for Kids Rise Mentoring Program, Liam, a 12-year-old Aboriginal boy, joined its Rise Program not long after his dad was incarcerated. Like many children who have experienced trauma, he struggled with regulating his emotions. With little positive role modeling, he was attracted to extreme versions of masculinity. He was often in trouble at school for physical fights, leading to suspension and expulsion from a few schools. However, the Rise Mentoring Program was about to change his life.

When he joined the Rise Program, he was paired with a dedicated Aboriginal mentor, a source of positive role modeling and support for Liam, who was “on his side” outside of school and family. While Liam struggled to open up at first, he slowly came to trust his mentor and began engaging in discussions around violence and masculinity that were influencing his behavior. After eight months of working with his mentor, Liam has demonstrated an incredible transformation in his attitude and hasn’t been in any fights since the beginning of the program.

His mentor shared that he has even received a school award from the vice principal for good behavior.

It is the first time he’s ever received an award for anything at school, and it is an incredible testament to his mentoring sessions’ impact. In addition to the financial assistance (food relief, help with school expenses, activities) SHINE for Kids can provide, simply supporting kids and young teens with a trusted and reliable adult who is always in their corner can make a difference in young lives.

“We are so grateful to our supporters, like Yardi Systems, who make this vital work possible,” expressed Eggers.

Volunteer Opportunities

SHINE for Kids welcomes Yardi employees and community members to volunteer as fundraising and awareness champions for its programs. Through its fundraising website, those interested can create an individual or team profile to raise funds through events, fun runs, trivia nights or bake sales to help bring critical awareness to their vital cause. To get involved, contact SHINE for Kids at [email protected].

“At SHINE for Kids, we believe every child deserves a chance to shine, regardless of their circumstances. By supporting our programs, you are directly contributing to brighter futures for these young people and helping to create stronger, more resilient communities,” explained Eggers.

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