The Live N Learn Foundation welcomes the Australian Government’s continued support for Live N Learn’s youth employment mentoring program Break Through. “We are grateful to the Department of Families and Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA) for their offer to further extend program funding”: Live N Learn Chairwoman Anne-Maree Huxley said. “The funding will allow us to continue to offer the Break Through program in conjunction with community services and Job Services Australia providers to young people in Macarthur for another year”.

The Break Through program unites young people seeking employment with trained mentors drawn from the local business community to focus upon identifying realistic plans to target and gain employment.

The funding extension continues an original commitment from FaHCSIA which commenced in 2006 and will enable Break Through and its mentors to assist an additional 20 young people develop a personalised employment plan, learn and improve skills and overcome barriers preventing them from entering the workforce.

Program Coordinator, Tracy Dunn, said: “It was a testament to the young people and the achievements they have had to date and the dedication of the mentors that led to the funding being continued”.  Originally intended as a Community Solution project, the ongoing FaHCSIA support recognises the programs positive community impact, supporting local services and youth and engaging business.

“The commitment of so many local businesses wanting to help kids get into work and reach their potential gives the program something truly unique. They offer the young people real encouragement and open up access to a network of employers that is usually out of reach to them” Tracy said.

Break Through is an initiative of the Live N Learn Foundation created in 2004 in conjunction with partners, TAFE NSW South Western Sydney Institute and Liverpool City Council, in response to growing youth unemployment. 

The Live N Learn Foundation is dedicated to assisting disadvantaged youth make successful transitions into independence and recognises the importance suitable accommodation, ongoing education and obtaining employment play in achieving that goal.  

For further information on how to become a mentor, or how to be accepted into the program to help gain employment, please contact Tracy on 0420308324. For more information on the program, please contact: tracy@livenlearn.com.au, or to offer support to Live N Learn contact: info@livenlearn.com.au.