Executive Director’s message
Welcome to our second Building Better Lives Together newsletter for 2019. It fills me with incredible pride to share with you some of our recent highlights and stories from a selection of people who benefit from our community programs.
Take Aaron, Ralph and Josephine: program participants who have shared their stories about how they are gaining skills through education, work and social connections. Access to a traineeship and mentors has made growth possible for Aaron who is now Frankston’s Youth Mayor. Secure housing in our Education First Youth Foyer and mentoring has given Ralph the chance to study and work while living in a nurturing environment. For Josephine, our Breakfast Club has led to a stronger sense of community and a good start to the day for her children. Time and again, our participants overcome barriers when their talents and strengths are recognised and supported.
Last month we celebrated National Volunteer Week. I had the privilege of joining some of our 1,200 volunteers at our biennial volunteer recognition event. The event was held at Melbourne Town Hall, where I met so many volunteers who shared with me their unique stories and reasons for choosing to support the Brotherhood. A fantastic time was had by all. Without volunteer contributions we would not be able to reach as far or support as many people as we do, every single day.
Many parts of the Brotherhood, especially our growing store network, rely on an incredible volunteer commitment, and I am in awe of the energy and time they give. It is a real source of strength to the Brotherhood that so many diverse supporters share in our desire for a fairer Australia.
Thank you for all you do to support our vision for an Australia free of poverty.
Conny Lenneberg
Executive Director
- Executive Director’s message
- An innovative and unique space for young people to thrive
- Breakfast Club connects local community
- Ian’s recipe for a life without loneliness
- VET vital to early school leavers
- Our community stores network is growing
- How can we learn from the past to prevent poverty in the future?
- Volunteering: the whole community benefits
- Aaron Quarrell, Youth Mayor of Frankston