Origins: The 'Why' Behind Diamond
The Why Behind Diamond. 16 years later we have a growing number of staff, thousands of clients supported, numerous volunteers...
It was around 2000. I remember hearing about the lack of options for women who found themselves pregnant unexpectedly. It didn't sit right with me. I had to do something about it.
Back then all I had was Google, so I started looking into the support available for women in my local area. Blank. I started looking across Australia, and let's just say it was one of the most difficult searches of my Google history ever. I ended up stumbling across some American websites that offered services for women in situations titled 'crisis pregnancy.' They called themselves pregnancy centres.
So with all of my savings, I bought a plane ticket to the US to look into what they were doing. I attended a conference for pregnancy centres and met with some inspiring women in the industry who were changing lives all across the country. They taught me both practical and professional skills, and gave me the encouragement to go home and adapt this work to an Australian context.
In so many ways our nation has been a nation of innovation, from inviting wi-fi to creating the best coffee culture of all time. How were we missing the mark on such a big issue?
When I arrived home, I grabbed my big bulky laptop and sat on my couch and began the journey of creating a holistic non-profit that supports women and families facing unplanned pregnancy—whatever that may look like. I got training in phone counselling, gained more knowledge and applied my bachelor's degree to start the smallest support services organisation of all time.
I had no idea what it was going to become. I didn't know that along the way I would meet some of the most exceptional people who were also passionate about supporting women. From politicians to truck drivers, this journey has been supported by so many people that recognised this huge gap for women and families, and they wanted to be a part of something big that would affect not only their generation, but generations to come.
16 years later we have a growing number of staff, thousands of clients supported, numerous volunteers and countless supporters who advocate, donate and celebrate the mission to support women and families facing unplanned pregnancy.
That's worth celebrating!
—Jenny, Founder & CEO