Lighthouse Foundation and Pathways Melbourne announce a new partnership to address homelessness and trauma among Jewish children and young people.
Through the Lighthouse-Pathways collaboration, support services will be available for those facing homelessness, abuse and family alienation. This partnership model will also include supporting carers within the Jewish community to care for children living away from family, thereby allowing Victorian Jewish children of all ages to remain culturally connected and supported within their community, even at times when they cannot remain with their birth parents.
For over 33 years, Lighthouse Foundation has transformed the lives of vulnerable youth through its evidence-informed Lighthouse Model of Care. By building therapeutic relationships and providing safe, nurturing environments, Lighthouse enables children and young people who have experienced homelessness and trauma to heal, grow and thrive.
Meanwhile, Pathways Melbourne has long supported and empowered religious Jewish adults who are exploring beyond their lifestyle, practices and beliefs. This year, Pathways is expanding its programs to include vulnerable Jewish youth and their religious families.
In partnership with Lighthouse Foundation, Pathways Melbourne is becoming the leading provider of services for Jewish youth overcoming homelessness and trauma, who are also unable to stay with their immediate family. The partnership will deliver culturally responsive care to Jewish youth at crisis points in their lives.
Pathways reports increasing referrals of Jewish teenagers at risk of running away or living in unsafe environments. Due to unique cultural and religious sensitivities, many Jewish young people find themselves isolated from the support systems and resources they need to heal. In 2024, research revealed that 37 Jewish young people aged 12 to 24 in Victoria experience homelessness or are marginally housed each year.
“Our partnership with Lighthouse Foundation is about much more than offering shelter; it’s about creating a nurturing and compassionate environment where Jewish youth can rebuild their lives and reconnect with their community,” said Dassi Erlich, Pathways Melbourne Youth & Family Programs Manager. “I know my journey through childhood would have been so much more positive had this partnership existed then.”
Entirely philanthropically funded, this partnership comes at a critical time. As more young people face homelessness due to safety concerns, mental health issues and family challenges, this collaboration ensures they have access to culturally appropriate housing, therapeutic care and tailored resources.
“At Lighthouse, we believe every young person deserves a safe and loving home,” said Susan Barton AM, Lighthouse Foundation Founder and Director. “By partnering with Pathways Melbourne, we can offer vulnerable Jewish youth the care and support they need, ensuring cultural sensitivity and understanding every step of the way. This partnership is a powerful opportunity to make a lasting impact on the lives of young people in our community, and I am truly honoured to be part of it.”
Initially, the program will focus on establishing a Lighthouse Home (Orly House), which will provide a safe place and the therapeutic relationships that vulnerable children and young people need to heal, grow and thrive. Once sufficient funding is secured, this home will offer culturally informed, trauma-responsive care tailored to the needs of the Jewish community.
Following this, the program will expand to include carer support within the Jewish community, giving families access to Lighthouse’s training, advocacy and therapeutic care, in line with existing foster and kinship care training and support. This crucial support will help keep children in safe, loving homes while maintaining cultural and religious sensitivities.
Read also: Anglicare Southern QLD launches tax appeal for homeless youth
Geraldine is currently the Content Producer for Third Sector, an Akolade channel. Throughout her career, she has written for various industries and international audiences. Her love for writing extends beyond the corporate world, as she also works as a volunteer writer at her local church. Aside from writing, she is also fond of joining fun runs and watching musicals.
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