Lighthouse Foundation is a not-for-profit organisation, dedicated to empowering young people to take responsibility for their own lives.

Lighthouse provides long-term care and support within a family/community environment, for young people aged 15 - 22, who may otherwise be homeless. There are currently seven homes operating in Victoria �

�Cabrini Lighthouse, Richmond
�Campbell Edwards Lighthouse, Clayton
�Cleveland Lighthouse, Springvale (formerly Keysborough Lighthouse)
�East Malvern Lighthouse (formerly Toorak Lighthouse)
�Loddon Mallee Housing Lighthouse, Bendigo
�The Pines Lighthouse, Cheltenham
�William Angliss Lighthouse, Ballarat

An eighth house has been secured in Frankston and will open in early 2004.

The Lighthouse Model of Care is unique in meeting many of the long-term needs of disconnected and disadvantaged young people. The core philosophy centres on relationships and community, providing young people with an environment where they are trusted, challenged, and can thrive - intellectually, physically, socially, spiritually and emotionally. A sense of being, and belonging, is encouraged. Lighthouse offers young people a feeling of security, continuity and hope for the future, and most importantly - a sense of belonging.

The Foundation was established in 1991 to support the work of its founder Susan Barton AM, who had been caring for young people in her own home for 16 years. The Lighthouse Model of Care has been developed on the knowledge and experiences Susan gained in her extensive care of young people over many years.

The reality of homelessness in Australia
There are approximately 26,060 people in Australia aged between 12 and 18 who meet the definition of homeless (Chamberlain & Mackenzie Counting the Homeless 2001).

The Lighthouse Vision
That every child lives within a family environment and community that fosters trust and love, and supports young people to grow and develop holistically

The Lighthouse Mission
To reduce homelessness among young people

The Lighthouse Program
The Lighthouse Program is designed to support the young people within all dimensions of their lives. This can include health, education, identity, relationships, social skills, emotional development, and self care.

The strength of the program lies in the commitment to community and family values. This translates into long term love, nurturing and caring - together with the practicalities of feeding, clothing, educating and socialising. The young people are expected to be active in school, work or self-advancement.

The program provides a holistic and total environment of long-term care, with 24 hour, 7 days per week emotional support.

Lighthouse Outreach Program
Outreach services and support are extended to young people who do not reside at a Lighthouse home but need support.

As with most families or communities, Lighthouse continues to offer an Outreach program so that a sense of belonging is maintained for young people who have had the courage to move towards reintegration with the broader community. Young people return regularly to their Lighthouse home for practical support and nurturing.

How long do young people stay with Lighthouse?
All young people sign an agreement on entering the Lighthouse family, which is personalised according to individual needs. The Lighthouse policy is to take in a young person for as long as is necessary for them to be re-integrated into the community. This may take months for some, or years for others.

Lighthouse Foundation offers life membership and all young people qualify for this opportunity. The form and nature of the life membership reflects the capacity within the individual young person, along with the ability for Lighthouse to work with them according to available resources.

How successful is the Lighthouse Model of Care?
Highly successful! Around 200 young people currently live, or have previously resided in our Lighthouse homes. Many have managed their anxiety, addictions and symptoms. Most have progressed into the job market and have developed supportive relationships and secured membership into the broader community. Financially the Lighthouse model is highly cost effective with care for each young person of approximately $15,000 per annum.

Why support Lighthouse young people?
The number of homeless young people is escalating, representing a youth crisis in our community. Lighthouse Foundation supports the concept of empowering young people to help them make better life choices, be entrepreneurial, and cease to be victims of their circumstances. Lighthouse seeks to help young people break the generational cycle of welfare dependency.

Regardless of the intention, reliance on government institutions often creates a welfare dependent mentality that can be debilitating and does not solve the long-term problems. Lighthouse Foundation has shown that a group of committed people can make a difference and provide a solution that develops self-sufficiency.

The Lighthouse Foundation model demonstrates that sectors of society can work co-operatively to achieve a common end - the welfare of our young. Everyone needs a community and requires a sense of belonging in order to achieve a sense of worth and meaning in life.



Lighthouse Foundation
PO BOX 445
St. Kilda , VIC  3182
Ph: 03 9528 8400
Fax: 03 9527 8194
Web: http://www.lighthousefoundation.org.au
Email: [email protected]

ABN: 12 101 549 508       DGR: Endorsed / Approved

	Donations to this organisation over $2.00 are tax deductible. *
	Volunteering: Phone 03 9520 8400 for details OR Email this address [email protected] listing your contact details and how you might be able to help.