Celebrating Excellence in Children and Young People in Care
The Boost Awards can make a big difference for a child in care
Every child deserves to feel celebrated for their achievements, and the Boost Awards are designed to support those feelings of excelling at something. Offered by Infinity Community Solutions Ltd. (ICS), this initiative recognises and supports children and young people in care who are excelling in academics, sports, and extracurricular activities.
The Boost Awards go beyond certificates of recognition. They provide practical, one-off assistance to help recipients continue thriving at school, sports and life. From purchasing essential equipment to covering unexpected one-off expenses, the awards bridge gaps where government funding may fall short, ensuring exceptional efforts don’t go unnoticed or unsupported.
What Makes the Boost Awards Unique?
While government programs cater to many needs, they may not cover every aspect of expenses involved with a child’s activities. The Boost Awards address this gap by offering financial assistance ranging from $150 to $250, with applications for higher amounts considered when supported by a strong rationale.
This award is for children and young people already excelling, providing them with the resources they need to continue their journey of excellence. Available for children and young people in care living in Queensland and South Australia, the Boost Awards ensure that these bright stars can keep shining.
Good News Story: A Little Achiever Dancing to New Heights
Kummara Limited and Infinity Community Solutions Ltd. (KICS) Kinship and Foster Care (KFC) Support Worker, Emma recently identified a child in care who had shown extraordinary dedication and talent in multiple areas, including academics, sports, and dance.
Despite having only been dancing for less than a year, the child quickly excelled, catching the attention of their teacher. Recognizing their potential, the teacher encouraged them to qualify for Nationals after excelling in a series of competitions, including the State Titles.
While the child’s commitment and talent were undeniable, the financial burden of attending interstate competitions posed a significant challenge for their carer. That’s where Emma was able to suggest the Boost Awards.
With the guidance of Emma, an application was made, highlighting the child’s achievements in such a short period of time and outlined where a little boost could make a big difference.
The ICS committee approved the application, providing vouchers to cover some of the costs involved with attending the National titles. This support allowed the Little Achiever to compete interstate, gaining invaluable experience at a high level of competition.
Although no major trophies were won at the event, the opportunity to compete on a national stage was transformative. It built the child’s confidence, enhanced their skills, and deepened their passion for dance. The child now dreams of continuing to grow and to continuing achieving in this area, inspired by the experience.
This story highlights the impact the Boost Awards has not just on the individual child but on the broader community. By attending the National Dance titles with other from the local dance school, the child was able to feel part of a team of achievers. Thus, boosting a sense of belonging and self-esteem for everyone in that dance team. Providing the extra boost financially supported the child’s dreams, building that sense of determination to keep excelling.
The Boost Awards embody the organisation’s values of fostering hope, providing outcomes for life, and embracing a culture of participation. The awards empower children and young people in care to dream big and to strive for success, knowing they have a community that believes in them.
How to Apply
Applications for the Boost Awards are open to children and young people in care in South Australia and Queensland. To nominate a deserving Little Achiever, visit the ICS website and complete an application form. Together, we can continue to boost brilliance and celebrate the extraordinary achievements of children in care.