Behind PILLAR (Pathways to Independent Living, Learning, and Resilience) is a deeply personal story of resilience, empathy, and unwavering dedication.

Anita Karemani founded PILLAR not just as a professional endeavour but as a lifelong commitment shaped by personal hardship and a vision of hope for children and young people facing immense challenges.

At the age of 9 and 11, Anita experienced the profound loss of both her parents and entered the alternative Connected Family and Foster Care system. Despite these hardships, these formative years instilled in her a deep empathy for vulnerable children and a drive to create lasting change. Her experiences became the foundation for a lifelong career dedicated to supporting young people.

For over 19 years, Anita has worked across children's services, including children's homes, foster care, social work, and homeless charities, providing stability and mentoring for young people in need. As a birth parent, adoptive parent, and foster parent, Anita has a unique understanding of the challenges young people face in the care system.

Anita’s personal journey has shaped PILLAR, ensuring that young people receive not only practical support but also compassion, understanding, and belief in their potential. PILLAR is more than just a service. It is a sanctuary where young people can grow, heal, and rise above their circumstances.

Guided by her Christian faith, Anita’s journey of resilience and hope was essential in helping her overcome personal hardship and childhood trauma.

Inspired by these values, she has created PILLAR as an inclusive and supportive space that warmly welcomes young people, staff, and professionals of all backgrounds, identities, and beliefs, dedicated to fostering diversity and a compassionate environment where everyone can grow and thrive.

Through PILLAR, Anita’s hope is to create a trusted space where young people can access not only housing but also mentorship, education, and emotional support. Empowering them to thrive and build a brighter future.