Local • Personalised • Integrated
OUR STORY
Learn about the origins of Forward to the Future and how our journey began. Discover the story behind our mission to create a brighter future for all.
I’m Lorraine Barrett, the CEO of
Forward to the Future, a family-operated company based in South Canberra. Alongside my four children—Lachlan, Connor, Siobhan, and Dylan—we embarked on a mission to create supportive, fun, and engaging experiences for individuals with disabilities. Our journey is deeply inspired by our family’s own experiences and our desire to build a community where everyone feels at home.
As a single parent of four, including two sons with autism, I’ve devoted the last two decades to advocating for their rights and well-being. This journey inspired me to pursue Post Graduate studies in teaching, specialising in Autism, the Gifted & Talented, Social Policy, and Community Development. I also hold a major in Human Resource Management with a focus on Staff Training and Development.
Recognising a significant gap in our community for local, enjoyable, and age-appropriate supports, my family and I founded Forward to the Future. We aimed to create experiences that felt like home and were tailored to our community, especially for those who might not have the resources or support to seek such opportunities on their own. We started small, focusing on activities my children were passionate about—multicultural cooking, movie making, and a Lego club. Each month, we hosted themed events (such as Halloween, Carnival, and Harry Potter) where participants could dress up and enjoy a delicious dinner. Our love of food and cooking naturally led us to offer catered meals at these events, turning them into joyous celebrations.
As we grew, we witnessed the magic of these gatherings: participants forming lasting friendships, building strong support networks, and even finding romantic connections through the bonds they created. Despite everyone’s differences and unique qualities, we saw participants (and our staff) having fun and laughing together—just like any family would. We’ve seen our community thrive and evolve, and our mission remains steadfast: to connect people in a warm, fun, and pressure-free environment.
At Forward to the Future, we believe in the power of family and community. Our mission is to let our family help yours by offering support that is deeply local, personalised, and seamlessly integrated into everyday life. We understand the personal struggles faced by participants and their families because we live it every day. We are committed to providing the kind of support that transforms challenges into opportunities for growth and joy, all while staying true to our values of family, community, and genuine care.