Shepparton Youth Foyer student Jade Lyons and Shepparton Youth Foyer senior manager Anita McCurdy.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
A year ago, Jade Lyons arrived at Shepparton's Education First Youth Foyer after years of addiction and mental health struggles, unsure what the future would hold.
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Today, she is more than a year sober, has completed a Certificate IV in Community Services, is preparing to start a diploma, volunteers in the community and has started a new job.
“There's no way I'd be where I am without it,” Jade said.
Jade is one of 377 young people whose lives have been shaped by the foyer, which will celebrate its 10th anniversary on Friday, July 17.
Jade’s story reflects the chance the foyer has given to so many young people who can’t live at home.
“I see it as a sign to a brand new life,” Jade said.
“Things are great now.
“I’ve actually just finished my Cert IV in Community Services. I never thought I’d be able to do that.
“I also feel more part of the community.”
The foyer is a collaboration between Berry Street Yooralla, GOTAFE and Beyond Housing Network and supports up to 40 young people at a time.
It is one of three Education First Youth Foyer’s in Victoria that provides accommodation to young people who cannot live at home, while supporting them to engage with education.
Shepparton Youth Foyer senior manager Anita McCurdy said young people come to the foyer for many reasons, including family conflict, overcrowding and homelessness.
“It is a place for young people aged 16 to 24 that need somewhere safe to continue their studies or re-engage in study,” she said.
Residents can stay at the foyer for up to two years while completing school, TAFE or university, alongside GOTAFE's Certificate of Developing Independence, which focuses on education, employment, health and wellbeing, housing and living skills, and community participation.
“Our young people are deeply involved with the community and when you give to the community, the community gives back,” Ms McCurdy said.
“I think that’s probably the thing that I get excited about, that Shepparton has been able to embrace the program, and people got on board with so many different things.”
She said the program was about much more than providing accommodation.
“From age 15 or 16 these kids don’t have anyone to support them,” she said.
“If we weren’t here where would they be? Would they have anyone to celebrate milestones like getting their licence or turning 18?
“The foyer is rewriting what a young person’s story could be.”
The foyer focuses on lifting students up, with a celebratory bell marking everyone’s milestones.
Ms McCurdy said many alumni have gone on to own homes, graduate university and have successful careers.
“It's just amazing when you hear those stories,” she said.
Some of these individuals will be spotlighted at Friday’s celebrations as alumni, students, staff and community members gather.
For Jade, she is most looking forward to “everyone coming together and telling their stories”.
Shepparton Youth Foyer student Jade Lyons is shocked at how much her life has changed since moving to Shepparton’s Education First Youth Foyer 18 months ago.
Photo by
Rechelle Zammit
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