Y Victoria is changing its focus to support more young people in the justice system and help create opportunities for their future.
Over the next couple of months, we will wind up our social enterprise arm ReBuild which directly employed young people after their incarceration with jobs in construction.
We’re working closely with each ReBuild member on alternative employment. We have had encouraging discussions with our construction partners on employment opportunities.
After 12 remarkable years of service and more than 150 young people supported over those years, ReBuild is a unique operation that helped shape major construction projects across the state.
While we were unable to sell the business to a like-minded social enterprise, we have demonstrated to our construction partners the value of linking diverse young people overcoming complex backgrounds with meaningful work and hope for the future.
The transition out of the construction industry will enable the Y to return its focus on growing the YMCA Bridge Project. Bridge is focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of people of all ages while they are incarcerated and teaches vital future-ready skills to young detainees.
The Bridge Project currently operates within Ravenhall Correctional Facility where the Y runs all its sport and recreation programs and a carpentry based skills program. Our case managers continue to support eligible participants after release to reintegrate into the community and find employment support.
Thank you to all our partners and supporters for being part of the journey. We’re grateful to each and everyone of you. Keep an eye out for more on the Bridge Project and how to continue to support young people who are turning their lives around.
Over the next couple of months, we will wind up our social enterprise arm ReBuild which directly employed young people after their incarceration with jobs in construction.
We’re working closely with each ReBuild member on alternative employment. We have had encouraging discussions with our construction partners on employment opportunities.
After 12 remarkable years of service and more than 150 young people supported over those years, ReBuild is a unique operation that helped shape major construction projects across the state.
While we were unable to sell the business to a like-minded social enterprise, we have demonstrated to our construction partners the value of linking diverse young people overcoming complex backgrounds with meaningful work and hope for the future.
The transition out of the construction industry will enable the Y to return its focus on growing the YMCA Bridge Project. Bridge is focused on the physical and mental wellbeing of people of all ages while they are incarcerated and teaches vital future-ready skills to young detainees.
The Bridge Project currently operates within Ravenhall Correctional Facility where the Y runs all its sport and recreation programs and a carpentry based skills program. Our case managers continue to support eligible participants after release to reintegrate into the community and find employment support.
Thank you to all our partners and supporters for being part of the journey. We’re grateful to each and everyone of you. Keep an eye out for more on the Bridge Project and how to continue to support young people who are turning their lives around.