Note: Some themes in this story may be distressing. Names were changed to protect the privacy of individuals.

Connection. Truth telling. Hope.

These are just some words used to describe the momentum the Glen for Women transition program has built since launching last year.

After establishing a home base on Darkinjung Country in Wyong after $2.7 million funding from the Indigenous Land and Sea Corporation, the Glen for Women Transition House officially welcomed its first clients in May 2025.

The program was the first of its kind: a dedicated, Aboriginal community-controlled transition centre supporting Indigenous and non-Indigenous women.

The program offers safe housing for women to gain job-skills training, employment opportunities and social support services, focusing on Indigenous culture through dance, visits to significant sites, Traditional cooking, storytelling and craftsmanship.

One year on, the Glen for Women has had a significant positive impact; its holistic approach fostering a sense of communal belonging, with a strong emphasis on connection to land, ancestry and Indigenous identity.

Women have been inspired from the lived experiences of Aboriginal Elders who have also overcome substance abuse problems.

In the 12 months since opening, the program took in 26 clients, 70 per cent of whom have now found suitable housing and 86 per cent completing a certificate of training, while seven of the women have secured ongoing employment.

The Glen program also won the 'First Nations Health Award' at the 2025 Primary Care Quality and Innovation Awards, which recognised outstanding organisations, clinics and service providers.

The stories that move through the centre are deep and challenging, but the faith and resilience of the women incredibly strong.

KP* is a Wiradjuri woman who lived with addiction for 11 years, stripping her of a driver's license, her home and even loved ones.

Her mental and physical health suffered, as well as her spirit.

"The Glen for Women didn't just help me heal; it held me when I couldn't hold myself," she said.

"It loved me back to life and helped me understand who I am, and how to reconnect with culture."

KP said being in transition had given her a safe place to rebuild her life, heal relationships, begin working and retain her driver's licence.

"Because of this incredible place, I am no longer just surviving, I am living a life that finally feels worth living," she said.

TTW* was born and raised on Darkinjung Country in Umina Beach and alcohol and drugs felt like her only escape for years, acting as friends while slowly destroying her.

"When I came to the Glen, I knew this was my last chance," she said.

"From the moment I arrived, I was welcomed with open arms. I felt safe and seen. The staff here didn't just support me, they believed in me.

"I am more than my addiction, more than my past and more than this disease."

TTW said the Glen help her find culture, connection and a sense of belonging she never knew existed.

"Today I am in transition, building something I never thought was possible just 18 weeks ago," she said.

"I'm studying my certificate IV in community services and for the first time in my life I feel hope.

"I feel excited about my future and, most importantly, I finally want to live."

ILSC group chief executive Joe Morrison said it was special for the corporation to learn about the achievements of the program it helped fund.

"The Glen for Women transition program is a beacon of hope for Indigenous women," he said.

"Hearing some of the women's testimonies was impactful and inspiring."

Mr Morrison said the ILSC was proud to have played a part in the Glen for Women's journey.

"The Glen for Women is a breakthrough... we wish all its participants many successes for the future," he said.

"There is no doubt the organisation will leave a legacy, bringing positive change to thousands of lives."