Voice of Hope Aboriginal Corporation
Run by Aboriginal women for Aboriginal Women
WHO WE ARE
Established in early 2022, the Voice of Hope Aboriginal Corporation is a not-for-profit entity registered with the Office of the Registrar of Indigenous Corporations and the Australian Charities Not-for-profits Commission.
The corporation assists incarcerated and formerly incarcerated Aboriginal women by:
* Cultural programs to assist connecting to culture, identity and family origins > Addressing issues to reduce recidivism, domestic violence and addictions > Access to counselling services
* Parenting support programs and family reunification
* Educational, vocational and networking programs
* Access to utilities and housing to address homelessness
Given the alarmingly high incarceration rates of Aboriginal women within the justice system, there is compelling evidence of the need for this dedicated service to support Aboriginal women.
Our Team
Founder – Lorraine Pryor
Lorraine Pryor is a Whadjuk Noongar woman with connections to Ballardong and Gnaala Karla Booja.
A mother and grandmother, she is a passionate advocate and an important voice for local Aboriginal women, particularly those marginalised by society.
Seeking to serve the community, she founded the Voice of Hope in 2022 and now shares her lived experiences with other women who find themselves on the wrong side of WA’s justice system.
A survivor of domestic violence and substance abuse, Lorraine spent 7 years of her life in and out of incarceration.
It is this experience that changed Lorraine’s life forever as she promised herself that she would never go down that path again.
Currently employed by BHP, Lorraine has enjoyed 10 years working with the company and has been grateful for the opportunity to build her knowledge and qualifications.
www.voiceofhope.org.au
Contacts
lorraine@voiceofhope.org.au
admin@voiceofhope.org.au
Tel: 0457 455 019
Postal address
PO Box 77 Thornlie WA 6108
WHAT WE DO
Working with Government and the business community, we assist by providing services and support to women during their time in prison, throughout the process of being released, while they transition back into the community and beyond.
Aboriginal women are engaged and encouraged, with Voice of Hope assisting them address issues such as substance abuse and trauma, through the delivery of culturally appropriate programs.
Developing and implementing holistic strategies, helping women to heal physically and spiritually, Voice of Hope assists Aboriginal women to become whole again, enabling them to reconnect with their family and adapt to life outside prison.
Voice of Hope run programs to support women through the healing and transition phases particularly focussing on:
• Breaking the cycle of recidivism;
• Reducing the number of Aboriginal women incarcerated;
• Putting a stop to intergenerational trauma;
• Addressing mental health issues;
• Providing access and connection to support networks;
• Educating program participants to learn to love themselves;
• Changing negative thought patterns;
• Decreasing substance abuse;
• Assisting women empower themselves;
• Supporting families and the wider community;
• Connecting women back to culture and with their children; and
• Contributing to closing the gap on Indigenous incarceration rates, health and life expectancy.
OUR SERVICES
Prison Programs
Our Walbreninj Yorga (Healing Women) Program comprises a ten-week series of three hour sessions for incarcerated women.
It seeks to connect participants to community and is a network of support, creating a pathway for the smooth transition back to family and into employment.
The program importantly seeks to restore the cultural connection between Aboriginal women and their community and heritage.
Re-establishing this connection can provide incarcerated women with a sense of identity, belonging, and purpose. Where women have experienced trauma and challenges, for example by family violence or forced removal of children, cultural connection can help lead the way toward healing through connecting with others who understand and share similar experiences.
Helping incarcerated women address issues, in turn allows people to attain the right mindset, move toward healing and can equip them with valuable life skills that will aid with adjusting to family life and joining the workforce.
Hope Bags
Voice of Hope provides clothing, mobile phones, toiletries, cosmetics and other products to women released from incarceration. Through sponsors and donations, Voice of Hope pulls together the items, and distributes these bags to newly released women. The bags are highly valued and received gratefully.
Community Assistance
Voice of Hope help women exiting prison with a range of practical services and support including legal assistance, interacting with government departments, sourcing accommodation, counselling, introduction letters and referrals, resume writing and linking to employment services.
Cultural
Whether it is music and dance, art exhibitions, community festivals and dramatic performances, Voice of Hope is involved in the local community and help women participate and reintegrate into events.
Yarning
Voice of Hope regularly facilitates conversations which allow women to share stories, accessing the support of their peers, and guidance of Elders and the community.
Elder Advisory
Within Aboriginal culture Elders hold an esteemed position and play a central role as cultural custodians and guardians of tradition. Connecting women with Elders promotes understanding and respect, allowing wisdom, knowledge, and life experience to be shared between generations.
