Healing Ways
Our Founder
Roots of Hope was founded by Dieudonne Damiens, known as Don, who migrated to Australia from East Africa, Burundi in 2007 as a teenage boy, seeking protection and better opportunities in life. Don obtained his Victorian Certificate of Education, and went on to complete a Diploma, Bachelors and Masters degree in Social Sciences, and is currently studying a masters in Mental Health and Counselling.
Driven by his own challenges as a migrant, Don wanted to help others going through similar experiences. He dedicated his extra time to giving back, and worked as a youth worker, case manager, and project coordinator at various private and nonprofit organisations.
Don’s own journey with mental health taught him the importance of prioritising wellbeing and seeking help when needed. Reflecting on his own experiences and the cultural and social difficulties he faced when he first arrived in Australia, he founded Roots of Hope with the aim of providing culturally-specific services to those who most need it.
Don’s driving passion is to support young adults, fellow migrants and refugees living in Victoria who are struggling to reach their potential. It is his dream to see them find hope, meaning and purpose in their new lives in Australia.
For the full founder story and organisational pathway, see Purpose. Our organisational mission is on the Mission page.
Our Values
We instil hope in young adults; enabling them to envision a brighter future.
We foster generous and kind support in our words and actions.
We empower those most affected by critical social challenges to find creative ways to resolve their problems and make a positive contribution to society.
We embrace and open our hearts to all people without exception.
Our Team
Ciara Browns – Social Worker & Volunteer Coordinator
Ciara Browns has worked as Forensic Case Manager, Youth and Families Social Worker over 10 years. Her duties entailed advocating on behalf of clients especially those most vulnerable youth, young adults, and their families.
After studying at University of South Australia and acquired a Bachelor of Social Work in 2016, Ciara moved to Melbourne and has then been involved in many paid and voluntary community-based organisations such as Roots of Hope.
Ciara is passionate about supporting those less fortunate in our society. She does this through her cross-cultural awareness and communication skills developed through her experience in engaging with clients from a diverse range of backgrounds and cultures.