Eastern Metropolitan and Gippsland

About Whitelion Victoria

Whitelion has been supporting young people in Victoria since 1999.

To learn more about Whitelion in Victoria contact:

Programs 

• Ramp Mentoring Program
• Eastern Community Connections Program
• Gippsland Leaving Care Mentoring Program
• Gippsland Community Integration Program 

Ramp Mentoring Program

Ramp is a joint project between Whitelion and Reach, funded by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that aims to support young people in Out of Home Care (OoHC) in the Eastern Metropolitan region to overcome social disengagement and build a positive sense of self. Ramp uses mentoring, experiential workshops, camps, and creative engagement strategies to work with young people to help them experience a sense of community, self-worth and meaningful, long-lasting relationships.

Young people aged 13-17 living in OoHC care in Eastern Metropolitan region. Referrals are made by Child Protection or funded agencies providing residential, kinship or foster care placement support.

clint.grierson@whitelion.asn.au

Ramp is supported by the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. Whitelion is proud to partner with Reach Foundation to deliver Ramp.

Whitelion is looking for volunteer mentors in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne to participate in Ramp. If you are interested in learning more about Whitelion mentoring contact mentoring@whitelion.asn.au

Eastern Community Connections Program

Whitelion Community Connections is a key component of the Better Futures approach, which was rolled out by the Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) on 1 November 2019. This new approach is focused on improving outcomes for young people transitioning from care to supported independence. Whitelion has been contracted by DHHS to deliver the Community Connections service offer featured in the Better Futures model with the aim to build networks of supportive relationships for young people in their local community. Whitelion is providing a hybrid model which encompasses the following key services:

• Community engagement and capacity building                                                              
• Harness community effort through a place-based partnership approach
• Mentoring 

Referrals will be accepted for young people between the ages of 15-18 years currently on a Family Reunification, Care by Secretary or Long Term Care Order or 18-21 years having been on either of the above three orders between the ages of 16 to 18.

sophia.koch@whitelion.asn.au

The Eastern Community Connections Program is an initiative of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services.

Whitelion is looking for volunteer mentors in the Eastern Metropolitan Region. If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact mentoring@whitelion.asn.au

Gippsland Leaving Care Mentoring Program

The Gippsland Leaving Care Mentoring Program provides support to young people involved in the Out of Home Care (OoHC) system at important transition points in their lives, assisting them to develop a positive sense of self and connection by linking them with a volunteer mentor from the community.

Young people and mentors spend time participating in a range of recreational, skill building and relationship building activities, focused on fostering a trusting relationship and empowering the young person to work towards their personal goals. The development of a positive relationship assists young people to build their resilience and enables them to make positive choices for themselves, whilst also giving them a safe and stable base from which to try new things and learn new skills.

Referrals will be accepted for young people between the ages of 15-18 years currently on a Family Reunification, Care by Secretary or Long Term Care Order or 18-21 years having been on either of the above three orders between the ages of 16 to 18.

sfrendo@berrystreet.org.au

The Gippsland Leaving Care Mentoring Program is an initiative of the Victorian Department of Health and Human Services. Berry Street delivers this program locally on behalf of Whitelion

Whitelion is looking for volunteer mentors in Gippsland. If you are interested in becoming a mentor please contact sfrendo@berrystreet.org.au

Gippsland Community Integration Program

The aim of the Community Integration Program (CIP) is to train volunteers to link every child and young person in Out of Home Care (OoHC) into local sports clubs, dance classes, art clubs and more. These links create connections between the young people and their community to reduce isolation and disconnection by increasing social skills and confidence.

Young people aged 10-18 residing in OoHC in Gippsland.

liz.friguglietti@whitelion.asn.au

The Community Integration Program is an initiative of the Department of Health and Human Services. Whitelion partners with Berry Street to deliver the program locally.

Whitelion is looking for volunteers to support young people with community integration in Gippsland. If you are interested in becoming a volunteer, please contact liz.friguglietti@whitelion.asn.au