GROWING up in a single parent family at Hurstville Grove, Danielle Sowter was often told her future prospects were bleak.
"You've got no dad, you've got a sick mum, you live in social housing — you're less likely to succeed," was the assessment made by others.
The remarks only made Ms Sowter more determined.
She graduated from university, has worked as a high school physical education teacher for four years, travelled and recently married "my very best friend, the man of my dreams".
"I was determined not to become another statistic," she said.
"I tried a little harder, pushed a little further, and made people remember who I was. I wasn't for a minute going to accept the identity others gave me."
Ms Sowter recalled her experiences at this year's announcement of education scholarships by SGCH (formerly St George Community Housing), attended by Gabrielle Upton, the Minister for Family and Community Services.
Celebrating the 10th year of the Strive Scholarships program, the organisation distributed a record $106,000 to 97 community housing residents.
Over the past decade, more than $500,000 has assisted about 600 students.
In addition, program partner Kip McGrath Education Centres has donated 62 scholarships valued at $124,000, including nine tutoring packages this year.
Ms Sowter said she and her brother Luke were fortunate to receive scholarships "on a couple of occasions".
"It allowed us to work less, study more, and be there for our mum when times got even tougher," she said.
"The dreams that had once been pushed aside suddenly became reachable again."
Chief executive Nazha Saad said the program was an important way of providing social housing residents with the support to build a better future.
Details: sgch.com.au
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