Sir David Martin Foundation - Helping young people in crisis

Sir David Martin Foundation is very grateful to be the recipient this year of one of the community grants from the Commonwealth Bank Staff Community Fund.This fund is Australia’s longest running employee contribution program. A cheque for $9,859 was presented to Jannine Jackson, to fund the ongoing ‘after care’ for our Students. This support from the staff at the Commonwealth Bank was very welcome and a much needed boost to the work of the Foundation.

At the end of their stay at the Farm, students “graduate” and are placed in a supportive environment within the community. Students receive 6 months after care support, receiving weekly phone calls and visits. The Aftercare Program provides accommodation, training and/or further education options. It provides family support, court support, referral to other services, assisting in transport to appointments, crisis advice and mediation.

It is vital that the support networks gained at the Farm are carried through for the following six months after leaving the farm. This year this ongoing support has been made possible with the grant from the Commonwealth Bank.

The need for an aftercare worker is critical to our graduates’ ongoing recovery. Below are just some of the positive outcomes pertinent to the after care program.

Improve in family functioning and interpersonal skills
Reduction in psychological distress
Increased rates of employment
Increase in stable housing
Increase in self-esteem, self-discipline and impulse control
Overall changes to their behaviour, self-discipline and impulse control