Karinya Young Women’s Service Inc (KYWS) received a $10,000 Strengthening Rural Communities grant supported by the Bertalli Family Foundation to strengthen organisational capability and improve services for young people at risk by enabling staff to attend two national conferences to build knowledge and networks.
KYWS is a Launceston-based not-for-profit supporting young women who are homeless or at risk. With fewer than 15 staff, KYWS strategically focuses on delivering best-practice services. Programs include crisis accommodation, outreach support and community tenancy for young families and youth.
Because the team is often deeply engaged in supporting young people day-to-day, there are limited opportunities for staff to step back, access training or learn from what’s happening across the sector. By attending the National Housing Conference 2023 in Brisbane and the International Childhood Trauma Conference 2025 in Melbourne, this project aimed to strengthen Karinya’s sustainability and enhance the safety and quality of care for clients by building a supported workforce with increased knowledge of contemporary, evidence-based models.
Both events provided valuable insights into the latest evidence and sector trends in youth and family services, sparking fresh ideas and affirming that while Karinya faces similar challenges to other states, it continues to achieve strong outcomes for young people.
A major achievement from the project was the development of a Roadmap for Growth – a strategic tool that maps current and proposed programs. This roadmap now guides planning, funding priorities and organisational growth.
The project has also led to meaningful, on-the-ground changes, including the introduction of a new Life Skills Educator role, designed to help young people build independence and practical skills, and the establishment of the Karinya Pantry, which provides food and household items to reduce hardship and support stability.
“We are incredibly grateful to have received this grant, which has had long-lasting and meaningful benefits for our organisation. The support provided through the FRRR Strengthening Rural Communities program has enabled Karinya Youth Services to invest in professional development opportunities that would have otherwise been out of reach. This enabled us to fully realise the project’s intent and ensure the outcomes achieved were of lasting value to our staff and the young people we support.”