Community grant a boost for YES Youth Hub

The Bass Coast Community Foundation has announced five successful recipients of their recent Community Grants program.

New Executive Officer for the Foundation, Sarah Bourke said the Community Grants aim to help local eligible organisations identify and address areas of need and disadvantage through evidence-based early interventions, and help build resilience, well-being, and opportunities for Bass Coast residents. All community grants are funded by the generosity of the Foundation's donors from the Bass Coast community.

The YES Youth Hub received $4600 to support local young people who may be sleeping rough, couch surfing or not being provided enough quality food at home. The funding will initially support the establishment of the pantry at the Hub and then support the ongoing stocking of items as needed and guided by young people.

The other successful organisations in this round of funding include:

• Phillip Island Community and Learning Centre Inc (PICAL): $5000 to support the delivery of Food pantry services for Phillip Island families.
• YMCA Cowes: $5000 to support disadvantaged youth to attend out of school activities such as music lessons, swimming etc.
• Bass Coast Specialist School: $5000 to deliver play-based therapy for students diagnosed with learning difficulties and communication disorders.
• TAC L2P Driver Training: $5000 to deliver Driver training for 16–23-year olds from families of disadvantage.

Rebecca Wilson from YMCA said the YES Youth Hub (YYH) Bass Coast provides a safe space for young people to connect, to be empowered and to access information about services and support.

"We are really pleased to be able to use this grant to help establish a food pantry for young people who are in need, which will be stocked with non-perishables and personal items such as toiletries and sanitary items," she said. 

In addition to the pantry, the YYH has a kitchen area for young people to be able to drop in and prepare food and access other items such as milk or a cup of tea or coffee.

“The YYH is incredible grateful to Bass Coast Community Foundation for their generosity and ongoing support of young people in Bass Coast,” Rebecca added.

There will be another round of the Community Grants available later this year. For more information about the Foundation go to www.bccf.org.au or follow them on Facebook.