Tier 1 Community Housing Provider Centacare Evolve Housing (CEH) will expand its successful Inspiring Future Leaders (IFL) Program with a $490,000 Strategic Initiatives grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF).

IFL is a capacity building leadership program that supports and empowers local community members to gain skills and confidence in planning and delivering projects in their communities. IFL has been operating since 2018 and the program has been delivered successfully to 10 participants with four community projects funded in 2021.

The TCF grant will expand the program to include more than 140 participants and the development of 28 projects over a period of five years. In addition, one-on-one coaching will be delivered to the 28 project leaders, along with continued contact, support and coaching to existing and new program participants, leaders, and projects.

“Centacare Evolve Housing are proud to be recipients of a Tasmanian Community Fund grant which will help to upscale our Inspiring Future Leaders Program,” said Centacare Evolve Housing CEO, Ben Wilson.

“The funding will enable increased reach and impact through the delivery of our unique community empowerment program over a period of five years.”

Mr Wilson said the grant funding will be used to ‘bring projects to life’ specifically targeted to the Brighton and Derwent Valley municipalities.

“Centacare Evolve Housing is committed to this program with the knowledge that solutions for the community come from the community. We are grateful of the support of the TCF who recognise the value and future potential of the IFL program.”

A celebratory event was held on Thursday 15 September for past program participants, past and current project operators, current participants that are about to graduate, community partners and key stakeholders.

Centacare Evolve Housing developed IFL to enhance the wellbeing of their tenants and the communities in which they live and work. ILF is part of the organisations Community Wellbeing Strategy.

Emerging leaders unite to improve their community

When Tori moved into a new home and joined the Inspiring Future Leaders Program, she did not realise she was about to make an enormous contribution to her own future, and the future of her local community.

“I thought I was joining a committee,” she laughed.

“But I gained way more than I had bargained for originally. I gained my social skills back. I learned I could get out and create a difference.”

During the program, Tori developed an idea for a lawnmower business, working to support community gardens in the area. She discovered IFL had decided to support her project by way of introduction to an entrepreneur mentor and assistance with the development of her budget and plan. Once Tori is ready, Centacare Evolve Housing will support her to bring the project to life.

“I can’t believe someone would do that for me,” Tori said.

“I hope to invest more of my time to the community around us. [I want to] help out around the place and speak up.”

Another participant, Barb, received seed funding from IFL to implement her idea to provide summer health and fitness classes in Brighton. Barb is now in her third round of delivering fitness classes in Brighton.

“My passion is community services, and this program has given us the opportunity to improve our community and feel a sense of accomplishment contributing to it,” she said.

“My project aims to provide exercise options that improve mental health and create connection. This will be so good for the community, and for us to get started with exercise in community.”

As for Tori, she is grateful she decided to get out of her comfort zone and apply to join the program.

“The program really gives you an insight into where we live, and what we do together can make a big impact,” she said.

To apply to join the IFL Program, contact elise.ceh@aohtas.org.au