One family with a disabled child was unable to afford to repair their purpose built vehicle, so the Foundation was able to contribute funds to complete the repairs.

The other family comprised a grandmother whose daughter had passed away, so was left to take care of the 4 grandchildren, and her other daughter with 3 children,  who is also living there. Their house had a badly leaking roof causing severe internal damage, which the insurance company would not repair until the roof was fixed. The Foundation was able to contribute funds to the repair and coordinate other organsations to assist.

The programme’s unique approach is solution-focused, utilising the experience of their peers to find solutions to issues affecting their lives. These issues range from bullying, coping with family separation, to anti-social behaviour, to binge drinking and drug use. Young people establish goals and new positive directions. It is a programme of caring for each other without judgement, empowerment, realising inner strength to achieve positive outcomes.

The Community Foundation of North Western Sydney is an independent, not for profit, charitable organisation that assists people in crisis or those that are socially isolated living in the North-Western region of Sydney, and “the Foundation was delighted to be in a position to assist with such a project as Youth Insearch” the Chairman Geoff Green stated.

“We are a new Foundation just finding our feet – much like the kids at Youth Insearch” said Geoff. “There is a real synergy between our organisations, in the true sense of the word, and I can see no reason not to build on our initial support of Youth Insearch in the future” he went on to say.

Emma McPherson, Youth Insearch, is presented with a cheque for $1200 by Chairman Geoff Green at a recent Board Meeting of the Foundation

“Part of the charter of the Community Foundation of North Western Sydney is to work with the youth of the area and we are planning a youth space for the isolated youth of the rural areas of the local government areas as part of our plan for the remainder of the year” the Chairman stated.

“The future of this nation rests with these young people and both Emma McPherson – Youth Liaison – Youth Insearch and the Foundation will work together to ensure they are well equipped to take the reins” Geoff said.

• Find out more about how Community Foundation helps the community »

The Internet Cafe will be used as an internet learning centre where TAFE will provide training in the safe use of the internet as well as computer skills. The youth will also have daily access to the facility for their own use including homework. There will also be an opportunity for socialising over a cup of coffee, etc.

The opening has created a high level of interest in the Blacktown area, and it is anticipated that the facility will be used by other community organisations in the area, and residents,  including the aged and isolated.

This facility is a pilot of the Foundation to test out its effectiveness before opening other similar facilities in North Western Sydney. It is hoped that this type of internet facility will greatly assist the community as a whole, will become a focal point for community learning, and will assist in reducing the chronic isolation experieced by some in the region.

Did you know that 3 shires in the North West Region are considered as highly disadvantaged and the other two are considered disadvantaged – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS)?

In the North Western Region of Sydney there is a population approaching 1 million people. The ABS statistics show that the level of disadvantage ranges from 22% to 34% which means that there is as many as 200,000 in  our community that need some assistance or are in crisis. Fortunately, in our society our welfare system is able to help. However, there is never enough money to satisfy the need; it is the mission of the Community Foundation of North Western Sydney to help bridge the gap, and provide solutions for those with the greatest need.