Established in 1994, Community Education Program target programs for young people under the age of 25 and fall into two categories:
Empowerment and Education: Programs which provide opportunities to develop positive values that lead to healthy lifestyle choices and a positive contribution to our community.
Outreach and Support Programs: Programs that support youths who are at risk or are already experiencing difficulties (such as drug and/or alcohol abuse) through rehabilitation and/or skills training.
“Government funding for not-for-profit grants is tightening year-on-year. We believe corporate Australia should help bridge the funding gap in these sectors,” says Warren Hutcheon, CEO, Ansvar.
“This is our opportunity to support organisations within the sectors in which Ansvar does business.
“All the 2015 Ansvar Community Education Program recipients have shown great community commitment, passion and a long term vision for their cause. Furthermore, the diversity of the recipient organisations says much about the depth of community support available to enrich the lives of young people.”
Patrick Templeton, Founder and CEO of Operation Stitches, said the funding received for their youth programs was essential as previous government funding had been withdrawn.
“The Community Education Program grant will help our project reach those who need it most, and allows us to offer free educational coaching to disadvantaged youth, to bring hope and make a meaningful difference in their lives and their future vocation,” says Templeton.
Jim Markovski, General Manager of Youth Services 20th Man Fund, was thrilled by the funding injection which is set to support the organisation’s innovative Links to Education and Employment Pathways (LEEP) program.
“The funding from private enterprise is extremely important for the 20th Man Fund as it provides the means to implement new programs, says Markovski.
“This year’s grant allows us to support 30 marginalised and at risk young people through our LEEP program. Our goal is to help young people realise their true potential, to become meaningful and contributing members within society rather than a burden. We are grateful for this program to aid in the support of such important education and employment initiatives.”
The 2015 grant recipients and programs being funded are:
- The Shepherd Centre: Spring into Literacy & Confidence
- 20th Man Fund Inc: Links to Education and Employment Pathways (LEEP) program
- Cobram & District Specialist School: Alert Program – Sensory and Self-Regulation (Awareness and Ability)
- CareSouth: CareSouth Homework Hub
- Fighting Chance: Fighting Chance’s Work Experience Program
- Operation Stitches: One Eighty Connection
- Prison Fellowship: Transitional Education for at-risk Prisoner’s Kids.