OPTUS GRANT HELPS TOOWOOMBA YOUTH RECONNECT WITH LAPTOPS

The Haven Association Inc. will celebrate the expansion of its homework and job seeking program this Monday 22 April, thanks to $5,000 in funding from the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program. The Optus funding is supporting education and employment prospects for homeless and at risk young people residing at The Haven with eight new laptops and supporting software.

The Haven Association is a not-for-profit organisation providing transitional accommodation and life skills support for teenagers in Toowoomba who are attending school, TAFE and/or transitioning to work.

Stephen Buckley, President of The Haven Association said, “The young people in our care come from difficult backgrounds with zero financial resources and limited access to laptops and supporting software. This equipment enables them to complete school or TAFE assignments, search for jobs and socialise with family and friends over social media.

“The ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants funding provides resources for residents at The Haven to compete with fellow students or job seekers and we’re already seeing some early positive results with increasing assignment quality and commitment to studies.”

Helen Maisano, Optus Associate Director, Corporate Social Responsibility said, “We’re delighted the laptops are helping vulnerable youth in Toowoomba reap the benefits of technology and improve their education and career prospects. Optus sees a real community benefit in investing in The Haven Association, who deliver programs for young people to reconnect with society so they can enjoy a brighter future.”

The annual ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program awards funding of up to $10,000 to not-for-profit organisations that help build social inclusion and reconnect disengaged youth in communities. Since 2008, Optus has awarded $880,000 in grants to 165 community organisations across Australia.

Stephen Buckley and residents will be at The Haven Association next Monday to talk about the success of the new laptops and the expanded homework and job searching program.

MEDIA EVENT:
WHEN: Monday 22 April, 4-5pm
WHERE: The Haven Association, 2-4 Jordan Court Torrington 4350 QLD
WHY: A chance to interview residents who are using the new laptops and discuss their progress
ATTENDING: Stephen Buckley, President of The Haven Association, Association residents

About Optus in the Community: For more information on the ‘yes’ Optus Community Grants program please visit https://www.optus.com.au/shop/aboutoptus/communitygrants

Media contact: Julia Clarke
Fuel Communications
(02) 8217 6505