Skyline Foundation supports students who may be at risk of leaving school early to support their families – dealing with financial hardship, emotional, family, and other challenges. "Skyline has a laser focus on supporting students to aspire to – and achieve – academic dreams they did not know were possible” says Katrina Reynen OAM.The program involves wrap-around support services including financial assistance for school related costs, counseling, career advice, study skills and peer workshops. “Students model achievement in their schools which inspires others around them to do the same – causing a ripple effect of positive enablement.” https://skylinefoundation.org.au
The Shepherd Centre’s mission is to empower children with hearing loss. With a continuous focus on innovative hearing loss solutions, the Australian based not-for-profit launched the HearHub to support children across the globe. Jim Hungerford, CEO at The Shepherd Centre, says “Access to early intervention is critical so children can overcome barriers of hearing loss, but only 50% of children with hearing loss receive the specialist services they need.” The innovative HearHub platform gives families and clinicians across the globe unprecedented access to expert-backed tools and guides to deliver the best possible support for children to improve their hearing. https://hearhub.org
TLC for Kids gives relief and much-needed distraction to sick children and their familes during stressful and traumatic situations. One of their most practical innovations is the TLC Distraction Box. The box contains various fully-researched and therapeutic items and toys that provide healthcare professionals with the perfect tools to guide young children through examinations and painful procedures. “The TLC Distraction Box reduces potential trauma for the child and the stress for the parents, carers and medical professionals involved” says Tim Conolan AM.“Distractions can be delivered within 60 seconds using this program, meaning its impact is instant.” https://www.tlcforkids.org.au
A group of socially minded leaders and entrepreneurs, in partnership with Big Brother Big Sister and AmCham Australia, have launched an innovative mentoring approach to guide and inspire at-risk youth. Co-Founded by Jon Michail and Mark Watt AM, AmCham & BBBS The Leadership Council is sourcing 100 business leaders to step up and achieve social good through collaboration, support and sharing of expertise.“We are creating a mentorship space to allow young people to enjoy creativity, learn effective entrepreneurial skills – critical thinking and self-leadership and sustainability,” says Jon Michail. “This will ultimately improve resilience and mental health in young people.” https://leadershipcouncil.org.au
“Where’s my money going?” and “What difference does my donation make?” are questions often pondered before donating to charity. I wonder how much impact is left on the table because of uncertainty. The Life You Can Save Australia – named after founder Peter Singer’s book – is focused on giving donors confidence. This is done through a collection of smart giving tools (such as their impact calculator), charity recommendations and free giving guidance. Executive Director Rickard Vikstrom says the platform "recommends charities that improve the most lives per dollar – then makes it easy for donors to support them.” https://www.thelifeyoucansave.org.au
A youth summit in Australia envisages a community that promotes a just and sustainable world that celebrates diversity. The NEXUS Summit invites young social entrepreneurs, impact investors and emerging philanthropists to connect with each other and generate ideas for social good (and how best to achieve them). In the process, creating beacons of social innovation and becoming role models in the not-for-profit sector. “The purpose is to catalyse new leadership and accelerate solutions to major social and environmental issues” says Lucy Steggles, Chair of NEXUS Australia. The sixth Nexus Australia Summit is on 2-4 November at Carriageworks in Sydney. https://www.nexusaustralia.org.au/about-the-summit
