Youth unemployment can be as high as 27% in our region
Our schools report some of the highest levels of disadvantage in Queensland
Large numbers of our youth qualify for Youth Allowance or New Start Allowance (Centrelink) but may not be accessing due to personal circumstances
We believe that every young person, regardless of their background, history or past deserves the opportunity to grow with non-judgemental support within a safe environment.
We are inspired by being the chosen ones to ensure this happens.
We offer young people the opportunity to get involved in the community through hard-work and positive achievements whilst also gaining work experience on our YDF 2-Do Crew or YDF Street Cafe. We offer assistance with housing/accommodation, food assistance, becoming job ready, finding secure employment, legal advice, selected job-ready qualification courses, mentoring & support, and more.
ROGRAMS ON OFFER
READY FOR WORK
A 6-week (3 days p/week) community based program which assists young people aged 15-24 to transition into the workforce and is funded by the QLD Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
COMMUNITY WORK SKILLS TRAINEESHIPS
A 24-week project based program which employs young people aged 15-24 to assist with public works, community & environment projects while completing a Certificate I Construction or Certificate I Business. The Traineeship is focused on developing vocational and employability skills for long-term unemployed & disadvantaged job seekers. It provides a pathway to employment by developing a range of skills & confidence and is funded by the QLD Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative.
COMMUNITY WORK SKILLS
An 8-week cultural awareness program developed to assist Indigenous & Pacific Islander youth in understanding their cultural backgrounds. The program is focused on engaging Indigenous & Pacific Islander youth with their ‘story’ and those of their peers. It will give them the opportunity to understand how aspects of individual and shared cultural experiences are impacting their lives now. Participants will explore strengths developed and unique perspectives on their sense of themselves as capable, contributing members to our community. Funded by the QLD Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
YOUTH SKILLS
A 6-week adventure-based program intended to assist young people aged 15-19 who are, have been or who are at risk of being involved in the Youth Justice Services or Queensland Corrective Services systems with the potential that further barriers to work and/or further learning may accrue without accessing, targeted, individualised support. Funded by the QLD Government through the Skilling Queenslanders for Work Initiative
INDIGENOUS ENGAGEMENT PROGRAM
A cultural awareness program designed to encourage community engagement and connection for Indigenous locals. The program is focused on engagement, however can incorporate outcomes depending on participant needs and expectations. During the program participants will work with facilitators to research cultural identities, build positive connections with like-minded individuals in the hope to overcome any identified social barriers or barriers to employment.
YDF specialises in facilitating partnerships that will improve outcomes for 15–29 year olds in our region. We pride ourselves in creating a safe and neutral place where young people feel supported and are able to explore solutions and find some direction in their life.
We see improvements to achievement, life skills, personal development and social skills as essential means to an end. We focus on long term sustainable change: that targets increased participation in education, training and employment
YDF focusses on positive engagement through a flexible and safe environment, keeping completion rates high with the best outcomes
All of our work is designed to meet the needs of young people and the community in which they live - including local industry
The estimated annual costs to society of a disengaged young person far outweighs the cost of our program
We work with a range of local employers and other community organisations so we can create an awesome space for our young people with real outcomes and support for our future leaders, our young people and our community
Gerry's presence in the local community promotes awareness of our services and provides support and opportunities for our disadvantaged and disengaged youth.
We are seeking support to continue our valuable outcomes and advocacy services
https://www.gofundme.com/theyouthdevelopmentfoundation
2-Do Crew equipment, Hardware
Toiletries, Work wear
YDF accepts donations of all kinds – please contact us if you are wanting to contribute to our cause
Amanda
Manager, HELP EmploymentWe have had many positive experiences, a particular example of this is one of our 21 year old job seekers who had been unemployed since he was 16, had a number of non-vocational barriers and a criminal history, despite previously being placed in 4 courses he had failed to meet his early school leaver requirements. With the assistance of Employment Outcomes he completed his Certificate II, engaged in unpaid work experience and went on to obtain full time employment (the first stable job he has had since disengaging from school). He is now about to achieve his milestone, 6 months of full time employment
Mark Furner
MP, Member for Ferny GroveUnemployment affects people aged 15-29 in disproportionate numbers nationwide, And I am happy to support a program which aims to combat some of the barriers to employment facing young people
Taryn
Employment Consultant - APM“I refer my youth job seekers only to YDF, as i trust them and believe that they are completely dedicated to changing the lives of young job seekers on all levels. Due to the dedication of the staff and trainers at YDF, my job seekers have either been placed in fulfilling employment or have gained the hands on experience and skills needed to be able to market them confidently.”
Trish
Founder: Taiwhanake Youth Academy“Every Thursday afternoon since October 2016, we have been fortunate to deliver our Kapahaka programme on location at YDF with full access to the facilities. Our children range from 5 years – 17 years and treat the YDF premises as a second home. One only has to observe when the younger members who skip into the building and the teenagers slouch on the couches, to understand that this behaviour reflects how relaxed and at ease they are in that environment. ‘Aunty Gerrys’ is their other safe place in the community. Sharing the same space as job seekers, school leavers, disadvantaged youth from varying cultural backgrounds – yet somehow all of these factors work together. Why? Because of the mutual respect and the YDF ethos fostered by Gerry and her team. This is the x-factor.”
David Doyle
Centre Management - Stathpine Centre“It is our experience that many of the young people whom YDF have helped, may previously have been engaged in activities that were less than beneficial for the local community. To have seen, first hand, the change in attitudes and fortunes of these young people has cemented our commitment to ongoing support of YDF. We believe that this support will assist YDF continue to reduce anti-social and other non-beneficial behaviour in the local area, but more importantly, continue to positively change the lives of many youth in our area.”
Anthony Beasley
Director - Advanced Solutions Group PTY LTD“I have been privileged to have witnessed firsthand the direct and enduring positive benefit that the endeavours of Youth Development Foundation (YDF) and EO have had on the community. It is clear to me that both YDF & EO must be provided with greater recognition and support.”
Rebecca Mccoll
Develop Design Construct“Staff and mentors within YDF have been successfully assisting locally unemployed youth into sustainable and meaningful work and we support their application for assistance to ensure this service is readily available to those in the community who need it most. We would happily look at successful participants as future employees knowing they have received quality training and real life skills and are fully supported by staff from YDF. We have seen the quality of participants who have completed previous programs with YDF and feel that this organisation will grow and be able to assist further with the right support and assistance.”
Min
2-Do Crew Client“I have had YDF crews come and work for full days on different occasions. All of the young men have been polite, helpful, used initiative and worked extremely hard. The young crew supervisor Drue is a credit to YDF (+ his parents) he is mature beyond his year in customer service skills, manners and desire to succeed. All these young people should be encouraged and congratulated on their work ethics and standards. YDF administrative staff has been most helpful, polite and reliable. I have recommended you to many folk and will continue to do so!”
Tara
2-Do Crew Client“These guys do amazing work for a great cause. I have nothing but good things to say about them and I have been recommending YDF to everyone I talk to. Keep doing what you're doing.”
Rockelle Duffy
2-Do Crew ClientA big shout out + massive thank you!
The 2-Do Crew did an outstanding job on my lawn & gardens today. Everything on the long list was completed. I am so very thankful. I have elderly neighbors who've lived in their home for 50+ years and they sing praises on the crews efforts, professionalism & politeness. In their words " they (2-Do Crew) take real pride in their work and do an amazing job every time"
Our valued sponsors include:
We welcome all enquiries
Visit, call or email us below
2021 © Youth Development Foundation and Employment Outcomes