Why time spent with teenagers is time well spent

By Glyn Henman

Recently I heard a young High School student tell of the way Young Life has changed the direction of her life for the better.

Become a giving partner with Young Life today.

It was such a significant moment when you learn of the situations she has experienced.

But before I share her story, I would first like to thank the many people who share a deep concern for the future of young people and work with us to make a whole range of positive, locally-based, relational programs possible. 

And if you are new to Young Life please find out more about our mission to help teenagers build confidence and grow in resilience. Some of those programs include:

  • Early morning pancake breakfasts
  • In-school support through sports, lunchtime clubs and homework assistance
  • Young Life Club after school
  • Camping experiences and day trips
  • Small groups with a Christian focus

These are just some of the ways we help young people build connections and fight back against isolation and alienation.

Which brings me to Elle’s story*. Like many young people our youth leaders meet, Elle’s family life is complex but as Elle explained, in her particular case family friction and trauma nearly resulted in her becoming homeless.

When Elle met Young Life, she was an angry, unpredictable adolescent in desperate need of someone to care and help her through the emotions and decisions she was making. Someone like a big sister.

This is where Elle’s Young Life leader stepped in. At Young Life Club and Camp she discovered a place where she could unpack some of the hurt and find supporting friendships. It has changed Elle’s life. Today, Elle shares her story with others and has this to say. “Young Life saved my life. I didn’t have a family and now I do.”

You can be a transforming influence in a teenagers life by giving to Young Life. With your support, more young people like Elle will be helped.

To make a donation, visit our website www.younglife.org.au/donate or call our national office on 1300 557 647 to make arrangements in person. We’d love to hear from you.

Glyn Henman

CEO, Young Life Australia

 

*Not her real name

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Grant goes to Young Life Ipswich

From left, CommBank rteam members Tiyana Scanlon, Mir Morshed and Branch Manager Troy Williams with Young Life volunteer Ben Verrell, Chloe Wright and committee member, Sue Verrell.

Young Life in Ipswich recently received a grant through CommBank’s Centenary Giving campaign. The Booval Branch of CommBank chose Young Life to receive the $10,000 award to further Young Life’s work local high schools and the community.

Chloe Wright is Young Life’s Area Manager in Ipswich.

“I am very grateful to the Booval branch team for their encouragement and this grant, which is a substantial help in reaching our goal of employing a dedicated youth worker for our area.”

For more information about supporting Young Life in Ipswich, please contact Chloe Wright on 0479 198 265.

Young Life Club opens in Hawker

It’s happening. Our first Belconnen Club! And if you are in the Hawker-Belconnen area and in high school or college, you are invited…

Young Life Canberra is responsible for pancakes and Bubble Soccer at Belconnen High.

You can expect games, challenges, themes, food and a chance to relax and chat. It’s fun, a bit crazy and a really good place to hang out with friends outside of school.

The team who are leading Club are volunteers and are known to students at Belconnen High for running the pancake breakfast.

Young Life Australia runs camps as well as Clubs, including a national Summer Camp held in Jindabyne every January.

“So come along, don’t miss out. We meet this week on Thursday, 12th April, and every second-week starting next term in weeks 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10,” says Alex.

What: Young Life Belconnen, a youth group for all high-school and college-age young people

When: Thursday, April 12 at 3.36pm and every second week from the beginning of Term Two.

Where: Corner of Beetaloo St and Belconnen Way (Christ Church Hawker)

The venue for Young Life Belconnen, Christ Church Hawker

For more information about Young Life Canberra, email Alex Lee or call 0427 208 778.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram @Younglifecanberra

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Young Life Staff gather

Young Life Australia’s annual staff gathering took place this week.

The team flew in from around Australia to plan, train and share their experiences working with young people.

“Thanks to everyone who has taken part, particularly those who have shared their knowledge and experience,” says Glyn Henman, Young Life Australia’s CEO.

Volunteers make the best members

Did you know, as a Young Life volunteer you can become a member?

Young Life welcomes people from the communities in which we serve to be members of our organisation. This is a great way to affirm your support for Young Life’s purpose and show your interest in helping the organisation develop and sustain its work among young people.

Ideally, we’d love all our volunteers to become members and our AGM in September 2017 is an opportunity to submit new candidates.

Interested? Then act today! There is a document to read and a form to be filled in. You must be nominated and seconded by an existing member. Call our national office and we will direct you to the right person.

  1. Download and read the membership information
  2. If you agree, sign the form and phone Llew Morris at the National Office on 02 9877 5144 who will advise you from there.

What does it cost? 

There are two tiers of membership:

Association members have the right to vote at the AGM. This is $40 per annum

Young Life partners do not have voting rights. This is $20 per annum.

These small payments will help Young Life administer important aspects of being a volunteer organisation such as training and insurance needs; as well as managing child safety.

Interested in volunteering at Summer Camp in 2018. Lodge your details here!