Supporting youth at risk has been the focus of Whitelion in Wyndham for nine years.
Now they’re in the running for a Wyndham Business Award to have their work recognised.
Whitelion state manager Jeff Hamilton and program manager Charlotte Kelberg says the non-profit organisation based at the Youth Resource Centre in Hoppers Crossing operates four main programs to youngsters aged 12-25.
Nutritional Outreach Support and Health (NOSH), a mobile outreach support service, helped 16,000 young people last year.
“NOSH provides onsite support, material aid and essential resources to youth at risk,” Ms Kelberg said.
Mr Hamilton says the Wyndham Resilience Adventure Program (WRAP) is an adventure therapy program which recognises that youth who have experienced trauma don’t always benefit from mainstream intervention.
“Adventure therapy provides opportunity for adrenaline activity a bit outside of the norm, like go-karting and hiking,” Mr Hamilton said.
“The housing program houses between four and six people in the Whitelion house each year and the Street Outreach program supports young people experiencing homelessness, family violence and mental health issues.”
Free nominations are now open for this year’s awards, which will be presented in 16 categories, at an August 26 presentation evening at the Encore Events Centre.
- Entries close on June 24.
- www.wyndham.vic.gov.au/aboutwyndham/business__investment/business/awards for more information or to enter.
