A program aimed at helping youth in the region develop a sense of worth will proceed thanks to $80,000 in funding from the NSW Government.
Member for the Dubbo Electorate Dugald Saunders has announced that LeaderLife has been successful in securing funding as part of the Stronger Country Communities Fund, with the money to be put into the organisation’s Soil2Soul program.
Soil2Soul is aimed at disengaged youth and, through its lease of a lime farm in Narromine, provides them with meaningful jobs and training that will allow them to develop skills across a variety of different sectors, including agriculture and retail.
“In November I announced $50,000 in funding for Soil2Soul to start this project, and now LeaderLife has been successful in accessing another $80,000 to make the lime farm project as good as it can possibly be,” Mr Saunders said.
“I’ve seen first hand the work that LeaderLife does with young people, and the sense of pride and purpose they get from seeing that someone cares.
“This project gives these young people a chance, and often that is all they need.”
LeaderLife founder Joh Leader said the Soil2Soul social enterprise “diverts kids away from destructive futures and instead puts hope in their hearts and dreams on their horizon”.
“Soil2Soul gives training opportunities and supported work for young people doing it tough, at the first established commercial lime farm in Australia,” Ms Leader said.
“The Soil2Soul limes will be popping up all around Dubbo and each one has been grown with great intention to help young people reach their potential and gain meaningful jobs.
“They say it takes a village to raise kids, and we are grateful for such a great government and community support in our village ultimately helping kids live their best life.”