By Julie Samaras
Eager to get its pilot program to help homeless young people up and running, the Bridge Back to Life Foundation is seeking community support to find a suitable rental home to provide a base for six young men aged from 16 to 25.
The program, the first of its kind in Canberra, aims not just to provide a bed for homeless or at-risk young men, but to help them get their lives back on track through education, training, teaching living skills, group work, support and access to medical care, over a three to six month period.
According to chief executive officer and founder of the Bridge Back to Life Foundation, Rhonda Obad, it’s all about giving the young men a hand up rather than a handout.
She was hoping to use the former McKellar pre-school for the program, but was told by the ACT Government that the building had been earmarked for other purposes. She says promises of other kinds of government support have since come to nothing, which is why she is turning to the community for help.
Participants in the pilot program will undergo a comprehensive assessment; successful candidates will then commit to making a financial contribution to their accommodation and to taking on education, training or employment opportunities.
“Harvey Norman has donated the beds, and we are after community support to help us locate suitable accommodation, and then assist in fitting it out ready for the program,” Rhonda says.
“There are about 10,000 homeless people in the ACT.”
Having lived in Canberra with her family since 1971, Rhonda is a highly qualified youth worker and 2003 ACT Australian of the Year Award Local Hero recipient. In May, she received a 2008 Centre for Leadership for Women Award in recognition of her tireless work that brings benefit to the community.
In 1994, her 19-year-old son Tony was left in a coma after being bashed in Civic in a case of mistaken identity. Left with permanent brain injuries, Tony learnt to walk again with Rhonda’s constant help; but four years later he died from a heroin overdose.
Her personal tragedy motivated Rhonda to return to studies, completing a degree in social sciences, diplomas in welfare, in drugs and alcohol and interventions, in youth, certificate 4 in youth work, and an advanced diploma of community services management.
Her vision for the Bridge Back to Life Foundation is to be recognised as an outstanding provider of specialist support services to young people at risk, and to enhance their dignity, confidence and quality of life.
After the pilot program for young men is up and running for 12 months and has been evaluated, Rhonda plans to replicate the program to assist homeless young women.

For more information, visit http://www.bridgebacktolife.com.au or email .