A cross-program initiative at Junction Support Services is helping young people across north-east Victoria build independence, confidence and stronger connections to their community.
Junction’s Community Connector Dom Somers — based within Better Futures and working closely with the Education First Youth Foyer and other Junction programs such as Windbreak 3690 Youth Space, From the Source, and The Orchard — is helping open new pathways into education, employment, wellbeing and community participation.
The program works closely with organisations including VACCA, NESAY, CREATE Foundation, Foodshare, CVGT, TAFE, La Trobe University and local neighbourhood centres.
“The community connector role is unique,” he says. “I get to source and deliver opportunities in the community to help young people build their independence.”
Guided by the Advantaged Thinking Framework, the role focuses on five key practice areas: education, employment, housing, wellbeing and community connection.
One of the standout initiatives has been the Community Cooking program at the Education First Youth Foyer, known as Cooking with Dave.
Across three terms:
- 14 young people participated
- 21 sessions were delivered
- 66 engagements were recorded
- 75% of participants rated the program as “very valuable”
Young people learn to prepare nutritious meals, strengthen social connections and build routines that support stable, independent living.
Financial literacy workshops are giving young people practical skills in budgeting, banking and managing bills as they transition to adulthood.
Creating spaces where young people belong
Dom says: “connection-building activities — including swimming sessions, movie nights, laser tag, group dinners, the Rainbow Ball and NAIDOC Week events — are helping young people feel safe, included and part of a community”.
“What excites me is the community development aspect of things, where we can source really positive opportunities for people to access and grow,” he says.
“We’ve been able to build connections with a whole heap of different organisations and groups in the community.”
Youth advocacy is also a growing focus, with young people taking part in CREATE Foundation’s Speak Up sessions and local advocacy groups.
Participants are now contributing to service design and learning how to influence decisions that shape their lives.
From the Laptop Initiative, which helps remove fundamental barriers to education and employment, to Job-Ready workshops that build practical skills and confidence, these programs create genuine readiness for the next step.
Motivational speakers share stories that inspire action, while welcome packs ensure young people feel valued from day one.
Whatever the next step looks like for each young person, these initiatives help them feel prepared to take it.
Community-based projects are also thriving.
A partnership with TAFE and Foodshare sees young people maintain a community garden, while a Windbreak 3690 mural project and Bunnings barbecue fundraisers have helped build practical skills, teamwork and community pride.
Partnerships creating long-term change
Junction says this asset-based approach builds on existing community strengths and helps reduce service gaps.
“In social work, we deliver services to those in need, and it’s really beautiful to be able to complement that by being proactive, doing early intervention work, and developing community opportunities for young people,” Dom says.
The role is demonstrating what can be achieved when programs collaborate intentionally.
Young people who once entered services feeling uncertain are now advocating for themselves and contributing to community projects.
“The Community Connector program is something we’re incredibly proud of,” says Junction COO Rhianna Coleiro. “The impact speaks for itself.”