Homelessness is a growing issue in Australia, particularly among young people. Each night, 28,000 youths under the age of 25 experience homelessness, a shocking statistic for such an affluent country. To tackle this challenge, social enterprises like For Change Co. are creating innovative solutions to break the cycle of homelessness by empowering young people through education and employment.
FFV, through its Masonic Grants Program, has recently supported a project initiated by the Melbourne St Clair Reunion Lodge that will fund the hospitality training of three young people currently facing homelessness. The participants, referred by For Change Co.'s housing service partners, will undergo a comprehensive 6-8 month paid training program across various social enterprise cafes in Melbourne. The training, conducted under the Pathways For Change program, equips participants with key employability skills in hospitality, with the aim of leading them into long-term employment.
The current Worshipful Master of Melbourne St Clair Reunion Lodge, Alex Slater, is particularly passionate about supporting this cause. Mr. Slater’s commitment to addressing youth homelessness extends beyond this project; he was also a member of Team Freemasons 24 during the Sleep at the G event, an annual fundraiser to raise awareness and funds for homelessness initiatives. Alex explains how this program aligns with the Lodges charitable aims:
“The Values of Freemasonry and the Values of For Change Co are both about giving a hand up and not a hand out. The act of improving the lives of people every day is something which not only increases the effectiveness of human purpose; it bridges any gaps which may be present in any form of exclusivity. For Change Co demonstrates Grassroots Charity, which is the most effective form of charity and this organisation has the full support of Melbourne St Clair Reunion Lodge now and hopefully much further into the future. Thank you, Freemasons Foundation, for your support.”
For Change Co., a renowned social enterprise, has been at the forefront of tackling youth homelessness since its inception in 2015. It has grown from a single crêpe truck into a family of social enterprises with six venues across Melbourne, all dedicated to helping young people experiencing homelessness. It’s cafes and catering services serve as training grounds for young people to gain workplace skills, build confidence, and plan for their future. The program offers participants mentorship, job placement assistance, and support as they transition into stable employment.
For Change Co. has provided 134 young people with over 18,877 hours of paid employment training, paying out over $484,000 in award wages to participants, and 100% of profits from the ventures are reinvested into their programs supporting youth at risk of homelessness.
The hospitality industry, in particular, offers a path for long-term employment and career development. With support from partners such as Launch Housing and Salvos, For Change Co. places trainees in real-world environments, including rotations at well-known establishments like Park Hyatt, where they can hone their skills and gain valuable experience.
Tenille Gilbert, For Change Co immediate past CEO, is grateful for the support of the Pathways for Change program.
"As a not-for-profit organisation we can only deliver the impact that we do through support from our community and are humbled that the Foundation has chosen to financially support us as a part of their commitment to community. This grant will allow us to provide an extra 200+ hours of paid, on-the-job employment and training to our program beneficiaries, providing them with the opportunity to create their own pathway into financial independence."
The ripple effect of this support extends far beyond the lives of the three young people. By helping these individuals gain employment, the project reduces their reliance on government welfare and redirects public resources to other essential services. It also strengthens the local economy by bringing more people into the workforce and enhancing community well-being.
Through support to programs like this, FFV’s and Lodge support can make a tangible impact on the lives of young people, helping them gain the skills and confidence they need to escape the cycle of homelessness and thrive in the future.
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