21 October 2014
120 at-risk youth supported
Posted in At-Risk
Build the Future (BTF) Managing Director, Melanie Minichiello, has always had a heart for at-risk youth.
A former school chaplain, Melanie is passionate about helping young people find purpose. “‘At-risk’ is an interesting term,” says Melanie, “but to me, it describes young people who are at risk of not fulfilling their potential.
“I see a lot of value in SU QLD’s at-risk program Connect — it allows young people to explore who they are in a safe setting. And about bringing out the best in themselves, and in each other,” she says.
BTF has generously donated $40,000 towards Connect — with 10 schools across south-east Queensland receiving $4,000 each — allowing these schools to continue using adventure-based and action-based learning to address young people’s issues of social awareness and self-management across Queensland.
“Without individuals’ and organisations’ generosity and commitment, we could not run Connect,” says Col Usher, SU QLD’s At Risk Development Officer. “School budgets are getting tighter and the ‘issues’ are getting bigger, so it’s vital we keep early intervention and prevention programs like Connect in our schools.”
It costs $25,000 to run Connect in just one school for a year. To find out more about supporting Connect, contact Col Usher at colu@suqld.org.au or call 1300 478 753.
