OUR HISTORY
A PLACE TO BEGIN AGAIN
Our Story
From lived experience to lasting change
We started Destiny Haven in 2007 after walking through our own journey of addiction and recovery. Back in 1994, we both entered a residential program desperate, broken, and ready for change. That season transformed our lives and planted the seed for what would one day become Destiny Haven.
In the years that followed, we studied, served, raised our family, and prepared both in Australia and overseas. Everything we did was with one goal in mind: to build a place that felt like family. A place where women could find real healing, grounded in care, grace and practical support. Destiny is that place.
Today, it’s still our greatest joy to be here. Janine is the CEO and leads the clinical services side of program, trauma-informed group work, and mentors the next generation of leaders. Lewis takes care of the property, keeping everything running smoothly so it stays safe, peaceful, and welcoming for every woman who walks through the gates.
This is personal to us. We’ve lived it. And now we get to walk alongside other women as they begin again.
Lewis & Janine Epere
Co-Founders, Destiny Haven
Who We Are
Faith-led. Grace-filled. Purpose-driven.
Destiny Haven is a not-for-profit recovery community for women impacted by addiction, abuse, trauma and mental health struggles.
We don’t offer quick fixes. We offer long-term support that reaches the heart of the matter.
Here, women are known as Diamonds because like the stone, their worth may be hidden at first, but it’s always there. With care, honesty and time, we help uncover it.
Our program is grounded in Christian faith, but open to all. We lead with compassion, offer structure and care deeply about the journey each woman is on.
A Place to Heal
More than a program, this is home.
Set on 42 peaceful acres in the Hunter Valley, our property includes residential accommodation, garden spaces, creative areas and on-site staff housing.
It’s a calm and welcoming environment, designed to help women slow down, feel safe, and begin again.
Everything from daily routines to group spaces is built to restore dignity, create structure and support deep, lasting healing.
Want to see what daily life here looks like?
How We Help
Real support for real change.
Our focus is long-term, whole-person recovery. Women receive support in areas like:
Mental and emotional healing
Identity, relationships and life skills
Rest, rhythm and community
Confidence and purpose through work experience
We also run two social enterprises, The Diamond Collection and our Luxury Retreats, giving women real skills and income-generating opportunities.