Launceston's Karinya Youth Services Awarded $900K National Grant to Tackle Youth Homelessness
Media Release
A Launceston-based youth service is one of two organisations selected nationally to receive a grant from the Sidney Myer Fund (SMF). Karinya Youth Services Tas will receive a five-year operational grant of $900,000 under the SMF Inclusion and Equality grant round.
The SMF's grant-making focus area is 'Supporting low-income families to thrive in secure housing', recognising the intersection between homelessness, poverty and the demands of caring for children. An area that Karinya is very familiar with, having supported young families in their Karinya Young Mums Program since 2012 and, more recently, young people in the Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy Program.
The grant will enable the organisation to expand the role of a Life and Living Skills Educator to work directly with young families and young people who are socially and financially disadvantaged by providing them with essential skills to improve their quality of life and navigate challenges more effectively, creating a more stable, fulfilling future for themselves and their families. The grant will also establish a food hub, Karinya Pantry, for all clients registered with the service experiencing food insecurity.
The grant also provides for organisational strengthening with funds available for the professional development of staff and systems development. These are areas often not funded through mainstream funding avenues but are critical for developing a skilled workforce and evidence-based programs.
The increasing cost of living pressure, along with housing and food security, are having a profound impact on our community, in particular, young families and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, said Karinya CEO Jane Gaetani-Black. This much-needed grant will enable Karinya to respond to the increasing demand for support for those on a low, fixed income struggling to find stable accommodation and practical assistance, said Ms Gaetani-Black.
Quote from SMF
The Sidney Myer Fund has for 90 years supported charitable causes around Australia. The Inclusion & Equality Program is focussed on supporting low income families to thrive in secure housing, and over the current five year strategic period will commit $7.5 million in multiyear grants to support a range of organisations working in this area. We look for organisations which deliver impact in their work, whether through direct service delivery, or research, policy and advocacy. Additionally we value organisations with high quality governance, systems and leadership. Karinya Young Women’s Services has demonstrated all of these characteristics in its work with young families in northern Tasmania, so we are delighted that it has been awarded one of the first grants in this strategic period. The Sidney Myer Fund is proud to support Karinya and we’re excited at the prospect of its impact in the Tasmanian community in coming years.
Leonard Vary, CEO Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation.
About Karinya Youth Services Tasmania
Karinya Youth Services Tas, previously known as Karinya Young Women's Service, has over 45 years of experience as a youth support service. Our name change reflects the diverse nature of the young people we serve. Initially supporting young women 13-20 years in crisis accommodation, the service has grown to assist young families and young people in transitional accommodation who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The organisation also recognises that accommodation, together with wrap-around support, is critical for establishing a successful pathway to independence for our young people. Our mission as a not-for-profit is 'Empowering young people to create safe spaces.'
Jane Gaetani-Black
CEO Karinya Youth Services Tas
www. karinyayouthservicestas.org.au
