With university studies just beginning and one eye on a career in the Australian Defence Force, 18-year-old Justus is looking forward to a bright future thanks in part to AnglicareSA’s Launch 180 program.

Launch 180 intensively supports young people aged 16 and 17 while they learn to manage the realities of living independently, supporting them to build their confidence, knowledge, and necessary skills as they transition out of the care system.

Justus, who had been in the care system from the age of 10, began receiving support from the age of 16, before moving into Supported Independent Living (SILS) at 17.

He said having a place to call his own while still having crucial supports around him made a world of difference.

“You get your own space and the ability to make your own decisions,” Justus said.

“But at the same time, I had support around me that, if I was living on my own outside of the SILS program, I wouldn’t have access to.

“I was supported in setting up my own home, learning about things like cleaning and budgeting as well as cooking – I’ve gotten great at batch cooking and freezing my meals for the weeks ahead.”

“The Launch 180 team really helped me open up and I think if I didn’t have that support, I would be a very different person to who I am now.”

Now living in a unit as part of AnglicareSA’s innovative Post Care Pathways program, Justus said it wasn’t just practical supports that had a lasting impact on his life.

“I used to be really introverted when I entered the Launch 180 program,” he said. “I didn’t like talking to people and around the time I entered the program my best friend had taken his own life just two weeks prior, so it was a really rough time for me.

“I was very closed down because of that, but the Launch 180 team really helped me open up and I think if I didn’t have that support, I would be a very different person to who I am now.”

AnglicareSA Senior Youth Worker Shane Watson said every team member who had worked with Justus along his journey was in awe of his drive and personal growth.

“Justus was anxious before moving into his Launch 180 home, and while he had a good grasp on some life skills he still needed supports in things like cooking, cleaning, scheduling, and budgeting,” Shane said.

“He had a tough start to life and at the time was dealing with some significant things but it’s brilliant to see him now buzzing about the future, doing short courses and finding himself a job, and now going to university.”

A tech-savvy Lance Corporal in the Army cadets – who also happens to be trying his hand at bagpipes as part of the unit’s pipe band – Justus has begun a diploma of engineering bundled with a Bachelor of Engineering.

“I haven’t decided exactly what I want to specialise in, but at the moment I am looking at electronics and robotics.

“I would like a career in the Australian Defence Force, but there are a lot of options for me in the future because we also have the submarine development in Adelaide.”

Launch 180 and Post Care Pathways are profoundly proud to continue to walk alongside Justus offering support and stability as he continues to build his own future full of promise. Justus’ journey reminds us that with a little help and a lot of heart, anything is possible.