The Greater Charitable Foundation and PCYC NSW are celebrating two years of impact through their Fit For Work program, helping young people in the Hunter and Illawarra build confidence, gain practical skills and take the next step in their employment journey.
Backed by $411,000 in funding from the Greater Charitable Foundation, four Fit For Work programs have been delivered across two PCYC NSW locations – Lake Illawarra/Bulli in the Illawarra and Windale in the Hunter’s Lake Macquarie area.
The program runs twice per year at each site and supports young people aged 15 to 17 who are disengaged from school or work.
Each 10-week program includes vocational training, mentoring and life skills development delivered by a NSW Police youth engagement officer, youth worker and trainer. Participants also receive follow-up support after the program ends to help them stay focused on their employment goals.
The Illawarra program was bolstered by the involvement of the Illawarra Hawks, who delivered their Mental Fitness Program as part of the experience. Assistant Coach Matt Flinn, Todd Blanchfield and Kobe McDowell-White shared their personal insights on resilience and wellbeing, offering motivation and encouragement to the young people involved.
To date, 49 young people have completed the program and gone on to undertake work experience placements. 14 participants have since been successful in gaining part-time or full-time employment.
Greater Charitable Foundation spokesperson Kirrah McClelland said the program is helping build strong foundations for young people in the Hunter and Illawarra.
“You can see the difference in the way young people carry themselves by the end of the program,” Kirrah said.
“Fit For Work gives them the support to take that next step, and we’re proud to have been part of the delivery over the past two years. It’s a great example of how the Greater Charitable Foundation is helping young people thrive.”
PCYC NSW CEO Ben Hobby said the program is providing a valuable bridge between disengagement and opportunity.
“Our partnership with the Greater Charitable Foundation has made a significant life-changing difference, through a shared commitment to empowering young people across NSW,” Ben said.
“Over the past two years, together we have successfully delivered four impactful programs across Lake Macquarie and the Illawarra Region, resulting in 49 program graduates which is huge progress towards a pathway for long term self-reliance through employment or further education.
“These outcomes are a testament to the strength of strategic collaboration and the transformative potential of targeted support. We extend our sincere gratitude to the Foundation for their generous contributions and unwavering belief in our mission.”
A recent graduate of the Illawarra program, said the experience gave them the confidence to take the next step in their journey.
“On behalf of our Fit for Work group we would like to say thank you to everyone that made this program possible,” the participant said.
“Thank you to Greater Charitable Foundation for sponsoring the Fit for Work program and to the team who came out and helped us with mock interviews and budgeting. Through this program I have had great experiences and learnt new skills that I will use in the future.”
The Greater Charitable Foundation’s funding supported the delivery of two Fit For Work programs at PCYC Windale in 2024 and two programs at PCYC Illawarra in 2025, providing ongoing opportunities for young people in the Hunter to build skills, confidence and a sense of purpose.