Hope Given began its journey in 2023 as the charitable initiative of Cityhope Church, initially partnering with the Ipswich Police to address the needs of those experiencing domestic and family violence.
Recognising that many individuals are forced to return to unsafe environments for countless reasons, Hope Given saw the value in providing practical support.
By placing thoughtfully prepared packs of essential items, often things people simply don’t have time to gather when fleeing danger, into their hands, they aim to remove one more barrier to making the courageous decision to leave.
Hope Given offers carefully crafted care packs to those facing domestic and family violence, particularly individuals who may be in urgent need as they leave unsafe environments.
Each pack is thoughtfully assembled with essential items – primarily toiletries – to meet immediate needs, but they go beyond practicality.
Hope Given include additional touches to convey genuine compassion and generosity, ensuring recipients feel truly valued and supported.
Their aim is to provide not only practical help but also a reassuring reminder that they are seen, cared for, and not alone during a difficult time.
Hope Given operational director Kelly Weier and program manager Alana Neale said their care packs are tailored for women, men, teenagers, children, and babies.
“Each one is stocked with vital items, particularly toiletries, designed to help recipients navigate the first 48 hours after leaving an unsafe situation,” Alana said.
“Beyond meeting immediate needs, we strive to add a personal touch; for example, baby packs include handmade blankets and teddy bears, small gestures to remind people at their most vulnerable that they are seen, valued, and cared for.”
In 2025, Hope Given proudly distributed more than 2,000 packs – a remarkable 400 per cent increase from the previous year.
Their reach now extends across frontline agencies and response units in Ipswich, Brisbane, the Gold Coast, Logan City, Moreton Bay, the Scenic Rim, and the Lockyer Valley.
Alana said the need for this kind of support was relentless – domestic violence does not pause, and neither does their commitment.
“This year, we are focused on further growth, with ambitions to expand our impact throughout Queensland and beyond, reaching even more people in their time of need,” she said.
“The development of our care packs is made possible through the generosity of our community.
“Every donation we receive directly contributes to assembling these essential packs.
“We are fortunate to have the support of individuals, philanthropists, and even a local school, all of whom play a pivotal role in ensuring we can continue providing for those in need.
“Their contributions allow us to source the necessary items and maintain the quality and consistency of our packs, making a tangible difference in the lives of recipients.
“The central aim of these packs extends far beyond simply offering practical support during challenging times.
“Our greatest hope is that each pack serves as a tangible reminder of hope, compassion, and dignity.
“We want recipients to feel genuinely cared for, uplifted, and valued, not just provided for.
“By combining essential assistance with heartfelt encouragement, we strive to restore a sense of worth and optimism to those facing hardship.”
For the whole team at Hope Given, supporting individuals who are experiencing domestic and family violence is deeply meaningful to them, especially knowing the immense challenges they face.
Both Kelly and Alana find motivation in hearing firsthand accounts from their distribution partners about the positive impact these packs have on recipients.
These stories fuel their commitment and remind us of the difference they can make.
“We firmly believe that when we have the opportunity to help someone in need, it is our responsibility to step up and offer support.
“To expand into the Bundaberg region, our approach begins with establishing relationships with key frontline responders, such as local police and hospital departments, who regularly assist individuals in vulnerable circumstances.
“Additionally, we aim to collaborate with crisis domestic violence agencies and support organisations, offering our care packs as a practical and immediate resource for their services.
“By partnering with these groups, we seek to ensure that those in need have ready access to support, and our packs can be seamlessly integrated into their existing assistance programs.
“This collaborative effort is central to our strategy for making a meaningful impact in Bundaberg.
“Support for regional communities like the Bundaberg region is especially vital, as accessing resources like our Domestic Violence Care packs can often be both time-consuming and costly in these areas.
“Thanks to the commitment of individuals who are passionate about assisting those facing vulnerability, we’re able to supply these packs ready for immediate distribution.
“Their generosity ensures that even in remote regions, people can receive support quickly when they need it most.
“We are actively looking for suppliers to help us source items for our care packs, with a particular focus on toiletries.”
If you would like to support Hope Given, visit their website at hopegiven.com.au.
