Search Light Inc. is a not for profit organisation and a registered Queensland charity dedicated to improving educational and social outcomes for children and young people and empowering them to take advantage of as many life opportunities as possible.
Established in 2001 as the Friends and Supports of Southside Education Centre, the organisation became incorporated in 2004 under the name of Women for the Well-being of Young Women Inc. From its beginning, Search Light Inc. has supported the students of Carinity Education – Southside, formerly Southside Education, and their families.
In 2005, in response to a clear need to support the many young mothers attending the school, a Crèche was established in a nearby church hall with the assistance of funding from the Department for Families, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Job Education and Training (JET). A mentoring program for students was also established with funding from the State Government.
Crèche attendance quickly grew so the Crèche was relocated to leased premises at 58 Gager Street, Sunnybank, to meet increased demand from the many young mothers who needed access to quality childcare and parenting support, while attending school.
The 2006 strategic review set strategic goals for the organisation, a clear future direction and resulted in a change of name to Search Light Inc.
Over the years, Search Light Inc. has expanded its operations to respond to emerging community needs and is currently working directly with two community access schools, Carinity Education – Southside in Sunnybank and Hymba Yumba in Springfield providing support for students and their families. Our programs and activities are targeted at improving educational outcomes for children and young people and promoting positive family functioning.
In 2014, the Search Light Early Learning Centre moved to the new purpose built ‘Numberlee Kunerra Learning Place’ on the Carinity Education – Southside campus. The partnership between Search Light Inc. and Carinity Education – Southside has enabled many young women to complete their secondary education, access employment and training, and build on their parenting skills.
Our key activity is the management of the Search Light Early Learning Centre. The Centre provides early education, childcare and family support services to the young mothers that attend the school enabling them to complete their secondary education while pregnant and parenting.
We rely on grants, community support and donations to fund programs to meet the many and varied needs of the families we support.
If you can help, please donate now.