Young adults living with autism and disability will be supported to live independently through the funding provided for John Fordham House, a state-of-the-art independent living home, announced today.
The Ricky Stuart Foundation is proud to work with the NSW Government to build this important housing project that will provide up to five young people and their support workers with a safe, independent living home in South Jerrabomberra, NSW.
Canberra Raiders Coach and Chairman of the Ricky Stuart Foundation, Ricky Stuart said the idea for the project came after helping his daughter, Emma, to move into her own home back in 2019.
“For many young people living with autism and disability, having a place they can call their ‘own’ brings immeasurable happiness. For my daughter Emma, living in her own place meant she could shape her daily activities; it helped her to gain new hobbies and to learn new independent skills.
“The NSW Government has generously committed up to $4 million to fund the construction of the home and to help families in the Queanbeyan and surrounding region to transition young people living with a disability into the next stage of their life,” Mr Stuart said.
“My experience as father of a child with disability, has motivated me to create housing opportunities for other local families. Part of the vision for the Ricky Stuart Foundation is to keep young people with disability living in their own home, rather than in aged care facilities.”
“In 2020, we were generously donated a block of land from The Village Building Company in South Jerrabomberra and we’ve been working with the NSW Government to secure this much needed investment to fund construction.”
Vince Whiteside of The Village Building Company said, “we’re proud to be able to assist this very worthy cause by contributing the land which has an estimated value in excess of $1.5m.”
‘The amenity that is planned in and around the South Jerrabomberra town centre will make this a great location for the Ricky Stuart Foundation’s new home. This amenity is expected to include a supermarket, medical practice, chemist and outdoor dining overlooking a state-of-the-art park containing various recreational facilities.’
‘This project extends the foundation’s current footprint in Canberra where we’ve fundraised and built two state-of-the-art respite facilities – one for children aged five to 12 and one for youth aged 13 to 18.’
To learn more about the Ricky Stuart Foundation projects or to donate, visit www.rickystuart.org
