User:Katecolony47/sandbox

=Colony 47= Colony 47 is a Tasmanian not for profit organisation offering services to disadvantaged Tasmanians. Colony 47 began in 1973 as a drop-in centre at 47 Davey Street for those who were isolated and vulnerable. Colony 47 is now in its 40th year of operation and offers several programs for people from all walks of life.

History
In 1971, a group of young people in the Hobart suburb of Glenorchy identified a need for a centre that catered for young people who were disadvantaged socially, economically, educationally and culturally. Under the guidance of the Reverend Jim Colville, the group began planning and fundraising to establish a community centre. It was envisioned that the centre would provide a place where young people could meet in a relaxed atmosphere and have access to counselling, referral and information, as well as opportunities for community participation and belonging.

Colony 47 opened with $4000 generated from donations, fundraising and a grant from the Congregational Church. The name Colony 47 was made up of two parts; the 47 refers directly to the church building at 47 Davey Street, while Colony described the strength of a group of individuals drawing together to support those facing what often seemed to be a hostile environment. By late 1974, the centre was open seven days a week. It provided the focal point to engaging young people. Soon, other programs were added; counselling, literacy, a toy library for people with disabilities, skills development programs for employment, support and assistance in finding accommodation.The social and political climate of the mid 70's was such that Colony 47 was subject to hostility from the community, the police, church groups and funding bodies. On several occasions, Jim Colville came close to being charged with "running a house of ill repute" because young people "who may commit crime" were gathered in the one area. Jim Colville and his team ignored the negativity and continued on with their work, assisting young people within the community.

Colony 47 Programs
Colony 47 has four main areas of support. These are Housing, Disability and Mental Health, Education and Training and Youth and Family Services.

Housing
In 2013 Colony 47 will be operating its housing services under the Housing Connect model. Housing Connect is about integrating services for the Tasmanian community. Prior to 2013 Colony 47 operated several housing programs for bond and rent assistance, emergency accommodation and tenancy services.

Mara House
Mara House provides 24 hour supported accommodation for young homeless women aged between 13-18 in the Hobart area. Residents of Mara may be disadvantaged in many ways including being isolated from family and their community, being a victim of violence and having trouble at school. Mara House offers a safe environment for these young girls as well as support with education, family and community.

Start Fresh Services
Start Fresh Services is an Australian Disability Enterprise specialising in cleaning and gardening services. Start Fresh Services is funded by FAHCSIA and is a member of The Tasmanian Association for Disability Employment Services.

Eureka Clubhouse
Eureka Clubhouse is part of a worldwide network support initiative focusing on mental health and disability. Eureka Clubhouse offers services in Education, Training and Housing as well as other activities for the members to participate it. The Eureka Clubhouse is situated in Moonah.

JobNet (Australian Apprenticeship Centre)
JobNet is an Australian Apprenticeship Centre. JobNet is contracted by the Australian Government to deliver services to employees and employers. These services include assisting the parties to select the most appropriate Australian Apprenticeship or Traineeship, completing the Training Contract with the employer and the apprentice and assessing and paying Australian Government incentives to the employer and/or the apprentice. The program also advises on other State Incentives, conducts monitoring visits and calls throughout the apprenticeship and offers support to both employer and apprentice at any time during the apprenticeship.

Reconnect
Colony 47's Reconnect program offers assistance and referral services for teenagers who are at risk of homelessness. Reconnect also has a Newly Arrived Youth Support Service to link newly arrived young people to housing, education and training services. The Reconnect Program is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs.

Youth Connections
Youth Connections is a youth program that works with individual young people in the Hobart, Glenorchy, Kingborough and Huon Valley municipalities. Youth Connection's aim is to identify and help their clients overcome barriers in education. They also help their clients in health and wellbeing and life choices. Youth Connections is an Australian Government Initiative operating all around the country.

Communities Supporting Families (CSF)
CSF is funded by the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs. CSF provides group work programs for children aged between 6 and 12 years and their parents/carers. CSF is based in three primary schools in Glenorchy.

Home Interaction Program for Parents (HIPPY)
HIPPY is a home based early childhood enrichment program which helps parents to become their child's first teacher. The program also offers parents of children the opportunity to become Tutors. HIPPY Tutors deliver the program to the other parents weekly. HIPPY operates in Clarendon Vale and Rokeby, Tasmania.

Partnership Brokers
Partnership Brokers are funded by Department of Education, Employment and Workplace Relations (DEEWR). The program is funded to build partnerships in the community to offer support to young people looking to attain year 12 or equivalent qualifications. These partnerships are designed to foster a strategic, whole of community approach to improving education and transition outcomes for young people.

Indigenous Community Links (ACL)
Indigenous Community Links supports Aboriginal families in the Launceston area by providing referrals and links to Aboriginal services such as welfare, healthcare, social support, employment, family violence, drug and alcohol services, legal aid, childcare and housing.

Foundation 47
In 2011 Colony 47 joined together with the Tasmanian Community Fund to start Foundation 47. Foundation 47 uses partnerships within the community to fundraise and raise awareness for Colony 47 and its message. Foundation 47 holds an annual Winter Fundraising Dinner as their main source of income. They also hold smaller events and fundraising initiatives throughout the year.

$2 for Change
$2 for Change is a fundraising initiative operating around Tasmanian retail outlets. Since $2 for Change was officially launched on the 18th of October 2011 by Tasmanian Premier, Lara Giddings, Colony 47 has raised over $20 000. There is a steady 30 restaurants operating at any given time