Bert Van Manen (Forde, Liberal Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

One of the great organisations in Logan is YFS. They help many families in Logan struggling to overcome adversity and to thrive. I am delighted to report to the House that the government shares this vision and has supported YFS to the tune of $600,000 in funding from the Department of the Prime Minister and Cabinet's Women's Leadership and Development Program. This grant will provide two years' funding to deliver the Spark women's employment mentoring program in Logan and the Scenic Rim.

Domestic violence and homelessness cause trauma and disruption to women. When women are out of work and have no access to money, their situation is compounded and leaving an abusive relationship becomes even harder. Practical support to quickly re-engage in work helps women rebuild their economic independence, sense of purpose, social inclusion and confidence. YFS will use their grant funding to employ two skilled mentors to help women who are impacted by domestic violence back into the workforce and ensure they have the training and support necessary to achieve that. They will use that to build on relationships with local businesses and local employers. They will improve financial literacy, resilience and coping strategies. I commend this program and the work that YFS does to the House.