News

Oasis Program Update

WHEN: 9 April 2015

In the last year there have been many funding changes within local and federal government programs, private grants and donations and to an extent there has been a shift within broader consumer markets that has had ripple effects throughout Oasis Youth Support Network. In the recent budget planning our dedicated team has been forced to take into account the impacts of such changes and review our program offering. This past month has been a harsh reminder of how quickly the tides can turn and how dependent we are on the support of the government, business communities and donors to help keep our programs alive.

It is with great sadness that we announce the closure of three programs in April 2015:  Vera Loblay House; one of our transitional accommodation facilities, the StreetConnect Youth Outreach program and the Oasis Op Shop in Kingsford.

Vera Loblay House has offered a safe, supported home style environment where young people have been able to develop and progress their goals, establish strong community links and ultimately prepare themselves to live independent of support for almost 20 years.

We are so grateful for the friendship and commitment of the Loblay Family and Matana Foundation over the last 20 years and know that the contribution they have made to the lives of so many will not be forgotten.

Working in collaboration with local youth, health and legal services, the StreetConnect Youth Outreach technology bus was used to connect welfare services with young people considered most at-risk, specifically Aboriginal and Torres Straight Islanders and Culturally and Linguistically Diverse communities.

With no funding for the service for the coming financial year, we have had to make a difficult decision to close the program. We would like to acknowledge the staff and all those who contributed to StreetConnect, in particular Virgin Mobile, Virgin Unite and Nokia, for their passion and commitment over the years. We would also like to reassure you that we remain committed to supporting early intervention and outreach efforts within our community.

And finally, to the closing of the Oasis Op Shop. It has been a wonderfully supportive environment for young people seeking work experience, volunteers and community members for many years, but ultimately the social enterprise is no longer viable.

With so many affordable alternatives now available, a resurgence of clothing-swaps and the ease of online-selling of personal items through portals like eBay and Gumtree, donations and therefore sales have been in decline for some time. We would like to thank our loyal staff, our tireless volunteers and those who have donated goods for their time spent supporting the Op Shop. You are all incredible.

As a network we would like to take this opportunity to thank our supporters for the contributions made to Oasis over the years and to reassure you that we remain steadfast in our commitment to the young and disenfranchised and hope that you can continue to serve this cause the best way you know how.

God Bless

Team Oasis