Photos by www.nowandthenphotography.com.au
South Australian charity Youth Opportunities has recently secured a significant partnership with Lady Gaga’s Born This Way Foundation and the Cotton On Foundation. The local organisation is named among 65 global beneficiaries of the 2024 Kindness in Community Fund, which supports initiatives that address the mental health and wellbeing needs of young individuals.
Chief Executive of Youth Opportunities, Taicea Agnew, shared, “With this grant, we can respond to the increasing demand from schools for our evidence-based personal leadership and wellbeing programs.” It’s an opportunity for the charity to expand its reach and enhance its offerings to young Australians. Annually, the organisation educates and empowers thousands of youths across Australia, equipping them with necessary skills to tackle adversity, manage mental health issues, boost resilience and optimism, and gear up for future challenges.
These programs are more than just educational initiatives; they open up multiple opportunities for the youth, facilitating a decrease in barriers and encouraging them to attain their fullest potential. “The support from the Kindness in Community Fund will enable us to help more young people boost their confidence, improve communication and relationship skills, enhance mental wellness, and increase their aspirations and engagement with education,” Agnew added.
The positive impact of Youth Opportunities’ programs is evident from its impressive achievements, such as a noteworthy 35% reduction last year in students at risk of developing mental health disorders. These statistics underscore the practical benefits and immediate need for such tailored programs.
Latica, a graduate from the 2020 Personal Leadership Program, described the change these initiatives spurred in her life. “Youth Opportunities gave me the skills I needed and helped me fill in those gaps from my younger years, shaping who I am today. Learning to be an articulate, confident, assertive communicator has been extremely beneficial. I could have chosen to be self-destructive, but I decided to grow instead. With the right tools and effort, I chose to do better and motivate myself to reach for the stars.”
Laticia’s story is just one of many that highlight the crucial role played by Youth Opportunities, supported by organisations like the Born This Way and Cotton On Foundations. By fostering strong partnerships, the charity ensures it can continue to support the youth not just to cope but to excel in their various life stages.
Chief Executive Agnew expressed gratitude towards the fund, “We are incredibly grateful to the Kindness in Complexity Fund for investing in the mental health and wellbeing of young people, and cultivating a culture of kindness, inclusivity, and equity.”
Through initiatives such as these, Youth Opportunities is leaving a profound impact on the lives of many young individuals, affirming that the right kind of support can indeed be life-changing. The increased backing from renowned foundations enables the charity to amplify its efforts and envisage an even greater reach, fostering an environment where more young individuals have the tools to navigate their challenges successfully. With ongoing and enhanced support, the future holds promising prospects for expanding these crucial youth-oriented programs across Australia.
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