11/09/2026
One of our valued and loved clients has asked that this be posted on our Social Media:
To Sam, Maarefa and the entire Second Chances team,
I would like to express my sincere gratitude for everything you have done for my son, Oliver, and me. Although the words “thank you” hardly seem sufficient, I hope this letter conveys how deeply we appreciate your support.
For the past nine months, Oliver and I have experienced one of the most difficult and uncertain periods of our lives as we faced homelessness and worked to find a place we could call home. Throughout that time, Second Chances did far more than provide assistance; you stood beside us.
You helped me secure suitable housing, attended inspections when I was unable to, advocated on our behalf with various professional services, and supported me through appointments and meetings that would otherwise have been overwhelming. You provided essential items while we were homeless and, once we finally secured our home, helped us obtain what we needed to begin again. You then went above and beyond by using the Second Chances truck and dedicating an entire day to helping us move.
After nine months without a permanent home, that day represented far more than moving furniture. It marked the end of an incredibly difficult chapter and the beginning of stability and normality for Oliver and me — and Second Chances was there with us every step of the way.
Sam, I especially want to thank you for the completely non-judgemental support, guidance and help you have given me time and time again. No matter what was happening, or what time of the day or night it was, you were someone I knew I could count on. You listened without judgement, helped me navigate situations when I couldn't see my way through them myself, and continued showing up when I needed support.
When you don't have family of your own to fall back on, having someone in your life who you know you can turn to carries a significance that is difficult to put into words. That kind of support and reliability is irreplaceable, and I will never forget the difference it made to me during some of the hardest moments of my life.
Above all, I am especially grateful for everything you have done for Oliver.
A particularly special part of that has been Maarefa, his Youth Social Worker. From the very first time they met, Maarefa's beautiful nature and incredibly relatable personality allowed her and Oliver to form a genuine connection. The two of them could simply sit and chat endlessly, and seeing how comfortable Oliver was with her from the beginning meant so much to me as his mum.
During their one-on-one time, Maarefa would take Oliver away from the confines of our temporary living arrangements to grab something to eat, build Lego, talk about and watch everything anime, or simply spend time together doing things he enjoyed. At a time when so much of his life revolved around homelessness and adult problems beyond his control, Maarefa gave him something incredibly important — time that was about him. Someone he could relate to, talk to and genuinely enjoy being around.
Second Chances also helped arrange a temporary volunteer role for Oliver with a local radio station, giving him the opportunity to contribute to his community while experiencing an area he may one day pursue as a career.
It therefore brings great sadness to both Oliver and me to hear the recent news that DHS funding for the Second Chances Youth Program will cease in December this year. Having witnessed firsthand the difference this program — and particularly Oliver's relationship with Maarefa — has made in his life, it is heartbreaking knowing that he will no longer have access to that same support.
It is equally upsetting knowing that other young people and families experiencing difficult circumstances may miss out. Programs like this provide far more than practical assistance. They give young people connection, encouragement, positive experiences and, perhaps most importantly, someone in their corner when they need it most.
You advocated for us when I struggled to advocate for myself. You showed up when I couldn't. You supported us when we had very little and celebrated with us when we finally found our home. Most importantly, you made sure Oliver was never overlooked amongst all the adult challenges surrounding him.
From the bottom of my heart, thank you for every inspection, appointment, phone call, item, opportunity, conversation and every single occasion on which you simply showed up for us.
After nine months of homelessness, Oliver and I finally have somewhere to call home. When I look back on the journey that brought us here, Sam, Maarefa and Second Chances will forever be an incredibly important part of our story.
We will never forget what you have done for us.
With all our love and sincere gratitude,
Chloe & O ❤️
Second Chances says it may be forced to close as the government cuts funding despite referring people directly to the charity for support.
