Shannen on the road to a bright future

Recently, Shannen celebrated a major milestone, passing her driving test and earning her driver’s licence.

While getting her licence is an incredible achievement, for Shannen it represents something much bigger. It indicates the progress she has made towards creating the future she wants for herself and her three incredible children.

Since connecting with our Parent Pathways team in April 2025, Shannen has worked hard to overcome personal challenges and barriers, building her confidence and focusing on what comes next for her family.

Working alongside her Support Mentor, Tina, Shannen accessed financial support and set a goal plan to obtain her provisional licence and work her way towards obtaining employment.

As part of this journey, she was connected with IN-STeP Driving School, where she gained the knowledge, experience and confidence she needed to successfully complete her driving test and earn her licence.

That milestone is just one of many exciting changes happening for Shannen and her family.

Her youngest son has been accepted into prep, her eldest daughter is preparing to start high school, and Shannen herself is making incredible progress towards completing a Certificate III in Community Services.

Her goal is to complete her qualification and pursue a career in the mental health sector, where she hopes to use her own experiences to support others through challenges similar to those she has overcome.

The driving force behind these achievements is her dedication and love for her children.

“The thing I’m most proud of is my kids. They drive me and they don’t even realise it. They’re my ‘why’,” Shannen said.

With each goal she achieves, Shannen continues to build greater independence, confidence and opportunity for herself and her family.

As she continues working towards her goals, our Townsville Parent Pathways team is proud to be by her side, supporting and celebrating her every step of the way.

“I’m so grateful for Parent Pathways. They’ve turned my world upside down in the best way. If it wasn’t for the Townsville team, I don’t know where I would be,” Shannen said.

Photo Credit: IN-STeP Driving School

Connect with our Parent Pathways team

Our Parent Pathways service helps you identify your goals – whether they’re family-focused or career-driven – and provides you with or helps you access the resources you need to work towards and ultimately achieve those goals.    

We listen to what matters most to you and your family. Our dedicated team of experienced Support mentors will provide individualised support to help you achieve your goals.