We are different

We 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

Unemployment 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

“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.” 

“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.” 

“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.” 

“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.” 

“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.” 

“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!” 

“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.”