Holistic, Wraparound Support for Survivors
Founded by Tasnia Alam Hannan and Fariha Chowdhury, Arise Foundation Australia is led by two women who understand the power of financial security to transform lives. With a combined 25 years in finance and cross-sector leadership, they bring both heart and strategic insight to Arise’s mission.
Why We Exist
We exist to help women impacted by domestic and family violence regain control through employment, independence, and the chance to build a secure, self-directed future.
What We Do
We deliver trauma-informed, employment-focused programs that support women to rebuild confidence, gain skills, and access meaningful job opportunities with long-term financial stability.
What We’re Working Toward
A future where every woman has the opportunity to thrive — free from violence, financially secure, and supported by systems that empower her to succeed.
Diverse Programs for Diverse Experiences
Every woman’s journey is unique — and so are the barriers she may face after experiencing domestic and family violence.
At Arise, we understand that recovery isn’t one-size-fits-all. That’s why our programs are designed to be culturally safe, trauma-informed, and inclusive, supporting women from all backgrounds and experiences.
Whether someone is returning to work after years away, navigating language or digital literacy, or building confidence after trauma, our approach meets her where she is — with respect, dignity, and personalised support at the core of everything we do.
Arise Academy
Arise Academy is a trauma-informed learning hub that offers a range of programs to support women who have experienced domestic and family violence. Our offerings include the Employment Ready Program (ERP), Adult English language classes, and Digital Literacy training - all designed to build confidence, skills, and pathways to financial independence. Culturally safe, inclusive, and grounded in respect, Arise Academy empowers women to reclaim their futures with the tools and support they need.
Adult English Program
Designed for women from Culturally and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) backgrounds, this program supports those who face challenges with English and want to improve their speaking, reading, basic writing, and comprehension skills. This course is typically the first step before transitioning to the Employment Ready Program.
Employment Ready Program
This 8 week course covers three core modules: Empowerment & Wellbeing, Financial Literacy and Foundational Work Skills. The program equips women with the knowledge, practical skills and confidence to begin their job search.
Digital Literacy Program
This 5-week course is delivered at one hour per week, depending on facilitator availability. It is tailored for women who are unfamiliar with or lack confidence using laptops, workplace applications, and basic online tools. The program helps build essential digital skills for both personal and professional use.
When women enrol in Arise Academy, they also gain access to the Arise Recovery Hub – a safe and supportive space that connects them with trusted community services to strengthen their whole journey. Alongside employment readiness, women can access financial counselling, legal support, mental health care, free childcare, food and groceries, and other wellbeing services. Each woman is paired with a dedicated support coach who works alongside her to understand her goals and link her to the right support, helping her focus on rebuilding her life with dignity and confidence.
Arise Recovery Hub
Our Impact
Graduates placed in employment or further education
323
Lives impacted in 2023 - 2025
60%
122
2,843
Training & coaching hours delivered
Arise Academy graduates
Discover how we've helped women all over Australia in the 2025 Arise Impact Report.
Joergette Mae Medel
Employment Coach
Vanessa Liell
Adam Coonan
Meet our team
Fariha Chowdhury
Co-Founder, Co-CEO
Tasnia Alam Hannan
Co-Founder, Co-CEO
Caroline Khalil
Recovery Coach & Program Manager
Shey Hooper
Head of Operations & Partnerships
Advisory Board Members
Joseph Catanzariti
Keryn Thompson
Arise Ambassadors
Binowee Bayles
Lucy Turnbull AO
Arise Foundation is not a crisis centre. If you are experiencing domestic abuse and need emergency assistance, please call 000 or 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732).