Impact Report
Acknowledgment of Country
For Change Co. acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we work, the Wurundjeri and the Boon Wurrung People of the Kulin Nation. We pay our respects to Elders past, present and future and acknowledge that sovereignty has never been ceded. Always was, always will be, Aboriginal Land.
Introduction:
For Change Co. is a social enterprise that exists to tackle youth homelessness in Melbourne.
We operate four cafes, a crepê food truck, and a catering service, with 100% of our profits reinvested into programs that provide paid employment and training for young people at risk of or experiencing homelessness.
From sipping a coffee, hiring a graduate, or engaging our catering services, every interaction with For Change Co. contributes to breaking the cycle youth homelessness and supporting young people into a future of their choosing.
A Message
From:
Our Past:
As we enter a new chapter as an organisation, it’s time that we reflect on where we have come from and how we arrived at the For Change Co. that we know and love today. Starting as a simple idea that aimed to raise funds and awareness for the issue of youth homelessness in Melbourne, we ran off the passion and energy of a group of young volunteers for over 4 years. From crêpes, to coffee, and through to catering, our business model has evolved. From donating funds to running our own employment and training programs, our impact model has evolved. From a group of volunteers to a team of paid staff and an expert Board of Directors, our team has evolved. What has not changed? Our vision - to see an Australia free of youth homelessness.
Our legacy pillars of asking the community for support, not accepting the state of youth homelessness in Australia, and finding new ways to address the problem continue to be the engines of our work. As we look to the next chapter of For Change Co., it would be remiss not to reflect on what got us to where we are - we must acknowledge that our impact goes beyond our current team and supporters. It goes to our first volunteers, our first customers, and our first funders - thank you for believing in us and for creating a foundation for the impact that we have created and will continue to build into the future.
Tenille Gilbert,
Tenille Gilbert, Co-Founder and Outgoing Managing Director
Our Present:
One of the key themes that has emerged this year at For Change Co. has been resilience. This is a sentiment shared by conversations with numerous partner organisations and emulated in the incredible work of the young people in our programs.
The housing and homelessness sector has faced incredible strain this last financial year and our experience at For Change Co. has been no different. The key pressures of Australia’s housing crisis and the broader economic downturn are affecting access to entry-level employment opportunities and putting more pressure on our services than ever. This year we’ve grown and deepened our impact model, supporting more young people than ever but ensuring we can be flexible to meet these challenges without compromising the outcomes our impact model creates.
We have also grown the number of specialist housing partners and employment partners we collaborate with to deliver our programs. We’ve remained inquisitive about the needs of our partners so we can best adapt our programs to ensure we can provide the surety the young people we work with need to work towards their goals and break the cycle of homelessness.
The challenges of this year have brought out the best in our community. From the inspiring resilience of the young people in our programs, to the constant and impassioned support of our team, to the empathy and support of our customers, partners, and funders. We are incredibly grateful to our community for the generous support in this last financial year. Thank you so much for being a part of this journey.
Joe McAllister
Joe McAllister, Head of Impact
Our Future:
For Change Co’s. purpose is in our name. We exist for change. To change the cycle of homelessness that captures too many young people. To change the way Melbournians see their coffees, crepes, and catering as being a vote for the future they want to create. To change the way we do business, and embed purpose, values and impact in our models for success.
But what drew me, and draws many others to For Change Co., is the leaders' commitment to impact-led innovation. Real change. Our Board understands deeply and embraces the impact-enterprise model. We centre lived experience and appointed a graduate of our training programs onto our Board of Directors. We will continue to seek out opportunities at every level and through new partnerships, to improve and create new opportunities for our young people. I am proud that For Change Co embraces it’s purpose from top-to-bottom.
We are for lasting change. Our cafes are building communities of confident, connected and kind young people who back themselves to have lives with impact.
We are for more change. In this ninth year, Tenille Gilbert has radiated wisdom and humility as a cofounder and sector leader, passing the baton to a new CEO. We are so fortunate to be custodians of a social enterprise that has been led by the tenacious and humble Tenille.
This report tells a compelling story of impact. A story that is complex and unfinished. There is much more change to make. Support our impact. Stay tuned for more to come.
Nicholas Verginis
Nicholas Verginis Chair, Board of Directors
Our Year in Numbers
149,851 87% $163,796 5,502 64%
17,045 84% 41 coffees sold shift attendance rate paid in award wages hours of training and employment revenue from trade crêpes sold graduation rate increase from FY23 increase from FY23 young people supported FY24
Big Wins
FY24 For Change Cafe: Lifeblood Opens
In March 2024, we opened our first corporate venue at Lifeblood in West Melbourne, taking over the cafe operations from our social enterprise friends at Co-Ground. This cafe operates under a unique partnership model, serving delicious food and coffee to Lifeblood staff while offering a controlled environment for our trainees in the early stages of the Pathways for Change program to begin their training and employment journey.
In the first four months, Lifeblood has supported 7 Pathways For Change trainees gain valuable skills and employment opportunities.
Catering for Change: Our First Year
Catering for Change officially launched in August 2023 and has already been a huge hit. Beginning by catering to organisations within our network, we proudly catered to a number of major clients this year, including the City of Melbourne, Banyule Council, Lifeblood, and the University of Melbourne, delivering delicious food and exceptional service. Each of these catering events created profits to direct towards our programs, while also forming a touchpoint between our food and mission, and many new customers and partners.
We are continuing to focus on developing our product and service delivery to reach more customers in FY25.
Voice For Change: Youth Voice within the City of Melbourne
In 2024, our Voice For Change program collaborated with the City of Melbourne to provide crucial feedback on their community programs. This partnership allowed our young participants to actively shape policies and initiatives impacting their lives and other young people. Through this engagement, they developed valuable skills in civic participation and advocacy, making significant contributions to the community
Matched Donation Day: A Milestone Achievement
Our first-ever Matched Donation Day was a resounding success. We not only surpassed our initial fundraising goal of $50,000 but went on to exceed our reach goal of $70,000. This remarkable achievement reflected the incredible support and generosity of our community who have supported us from the very beginning and continue to do so. The funds raised directly increase the amount of support that we can offer to young people over the next year, boosting our impact capacity.
We exeeded our reach goal and raised . . .
$71,097
The Challenge
Homelessness is often a result of a number of intersecting factors impacting a young person.
A community-centered holistic approach, which tackles these various risk factors together, creates life-changing outcomes for the young people in our program.
“I moved out of home at 17 due to family problems. I had no higher education, no employment, no rental history, and no one else to stay with. It was my only option. At the time of starting with For Change Co. I had been unemployed for a long period of time. My age, lack of education and lack of experience made job hunting next to impossible. My two years (in transitional housing) was quickly coming to a close, and with no job and next to no savings I was once again at risk of homelessness.”
- Shakara, Pathways For Change Trainee
Mental health challenges are widely recognised as being a significant factor in precipitating and perpetuating youth homelessness. Out of the 11,900 young people who used Specialist Housing Services in Victoria between 2021 and 2022, 47% were dealing with mental health issues. Not having a safe, stable place to live makes things worse because without a permanent address and ID, it's difficult to access therapy and other mental health support.
74%
of participants in our program reported personal mental health challenges as a barrier to employment and training.
Breakdown in family relationships is a significant contributor to youth homelessness in Victoria. 45% of young people who accessed housing services in Victoria in the period of 2021 and 2022 had experienced Family or Domestic Violence in some form (AIHW 2022). FDV is the leading cause of homelessness for women and children in Australia.
30%
of participants in our program reported difficult family relationships as a barrier to employment and training.
A lack of access to education and employment has been historically recognised as a contributing factor to youth homelessness, as young people experiencing homelessness are unable to compete against their peers who have access to education in the labour market.
30%
of our program participants in the FY23 had completed year 12 and only 4% have completed any post-school education.
Intersectionality Rrefers to how experiences of homelessness intersect with various areas of lived experience, with young people from multicultural or First Nations backgrounds, or those who identify as LGBTIQ+, being more likely to experience homelessness. The demographic of young people who experience homelessness is diverse and this is reflected in the cohorts of our programs.
9% of trainees identify as being Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander.
39% of trainees are born overseas.
9% of trainees identify as being non-binary or intersex.
70% of trainees did not complete year 12.
26% of trainees identify as having a disability or medical condition.
6% of program participants were mothers.
Our Solution
For Change Co. partners with housing and employment services to tackle youth homelessness in a community-focused, holistic way. Instead of crisis-driven responses, we address the root causes by building supportive communities to prevent homelessness.
of young people who were engaged in our Pathways For Change program entered into employment and/or education within 6 months of leaving our program. 83%
We're all about collaborating with different organisations in Melbourne to work together effectively and make a real, lasting difference.
Being part of a connected community offers young people experiencing homelessness support and helps tackle homelessness. By joining a supportive community, they can build a stronger sense of personal wellbeing and social connectedness.
Employment is key to our model. By offering steady jobs through our hospitality venues, we help prevent youth homelessness. Our programs foster personal growth and skill development, supporting young people as they adjust to work responsibilities. Stable jobs provide the security needed to transition from supported accommodation to independent living.
Programs like ours that empower young people and are person-centred can help by:
• Strengthening their confidence to support their current and future goals.
• Leveraging our workplace to deliver behavioural skills to our trainees crucial to maintaining employment.
• Developing our trainees' sense of autonomy and personal decision making including how to advocate for themselves in a work environment .
• Increasing our trainees' sense of social connectedness and self-worth, leading to improved wellbeing outcomes and increasing their engagement with other parts of their life.
“Where do I start, I have never felt so welcomed and seen and respected. I’ve never found such an inclusive space working and never felt I could progress to the level I have here. Half of what I achieved in this program I didn’t think I was capable of. Working in a team, I didn’t know how it would go but this is the first time I’d stepped up to take on more responsibility. I was worried this would be another job I would lose. Everything surpassed my expectations of what I thought it would be.”
- Lauren, Pathways for Change trainee
Our Programs
Pathways For Change
Pathways For Change is For Change Co.'s paid employment and workplace training program designed to help young people break the cycle of youth homelessness by developing job skills and gaining crucial support.
Participants, known as trainees, earn award wages while gaining hands-on experience at For Change Cafes. The program focuses on building skills, confidence, and goal-setting to aid their transition into further education or employment.
Pathways For Change collaborates with key partners like Launch Housing, Melbourne City Mission, and a network of employers to provide comprehensive support and job opportunities for graduates. Workshops on financial wellbeing, employability, and personalised guidance are also offered to enhance trainees' skills.
Transitions Program
Our Transitions Program runs in parallel with Pathways For Change, providing all trainees with access to one-on-one coaching, goal development, and support as they move through the program and plan their next steps upon graduation.
As a ‘pathway’ program, it is essential that we work closely with trainees throughout their time with us to prepare them for mainstream employment, education, and life beyond the program. By offering tailored, one-on-one support, we ensure that each trainee receives the resources, coaching, networks, and opportunities necessary to prepare for their independent future.
Trainees received 295 hours of individual one-on-one coaching in FY24.
Receive training in preparation for Open Shift.
Trainees recive supported goals planning, to help them prepare for work and life post-program.
Open Shift
Open Shift connects graduates from our Pathways For Change program with local businesses, helping young individuals transition smoothly from training to long-term employment and break the cycle of homelessness.
The program ensures continued support for trainees during key life transitions, reducing the risk of them returning to homelessness. By partnering with Open Shift, businesses gain access to highly skilled graduates, make a positive social impact, and receive recognition on our website and social media.
Current Open Shift partners include; Park Hyatt, Billy Van Creamery, and The Y. of graduates who are placed with Open Shift partners remain employed 12 months post-program.
Voice For Change
Voice for Change is a youth advisory program for individuals aged 18-28, empowering them to participate in decision-making and policy development.
The program amplifies youth voices, builds leadership and public speaking skills, and engages with local governments and organisations. Supported by funding from the City of Melbourne’s Social Investment Partnerships Program, the initiative ran a new iteration in 2024, enabling participants to directly support the City of Melbourne’s community engagement and impact team.
Outcomes Engagement with long term employment or education:
Transition to post-program employment
Pathways For Change provides technical and behavioral skills training to equip our participants with the skills and confidence to transition into and maintain employment.
Transition to post-program education
Many trainees in our program identify education as a personal goal to work toward a career that interests them. Our program helps participants develop a regular routine, succeed in a non-traditional educational setting, and increase their social connectedness, all of which give them the confidence to engage with education.
83% of our Pathways For Change program graduates in FY24 transitioned to employment and/or education within 6 months of completing the program.
Long-term engagement with employment and/or education for our trainee cohort
We have continued to expand our evaluation methods and capacity to track the outcomes of our program graduates. This helps us understand the medium and long-term impact of our training program on participants.
86% of respondents are engaged with employment and/or education 12 months post-program.
Supported employment placements with our Open Shift Employer Network
Over the last financial year, we have seen firsthand the immense challenges faced by our trainee cohort in accessing fair and secure employment, especially in a highly competitive market where entry-level jobs are difficult to secure. This makes our collaboration with value-aligned employers in the Open Shift network more important than ever.
We've added Park Hyatt Hotel and Billy Van Creamy Ice Creamery to our Open Shift employment partners. All young people placed with these partners have stayed in their jobs for over a year.
Average Open Shift employer rating for trainee graduates in the last FY: 4.2/5
82% of our Pathways For Change participants in FY24 transitioned into independent housing during or within 6 months of completing our program.
Average participant survey response regarding the support received during the program to achieve life and employment goals: 5.9/7
"I wanted to find a way out of my situation. I needed to know I had a future and that I was worthy of it."
Scan the code for Hannah's full story.
Increased work readiness and personal goals:
Increased
skills-building workshops and individual goals planning to support engagement with our Pathways
For Change program
With funding from the Federal Government's Launch Into Work program, we've streamlined our workshops into a 2-week pre-employment program focused on health, work rights, coffee skills, customer service, and employment goals.
We’ve also enhanced mentorship and employment planning support to provide holistic guidance for trainees.
Average participant response measuring the recognition of young people’s strengths and aspirations:
6.6/7
Increased individual employment goals, mentorship and support.
This year, we offered deeper support to more young people in the Pathways For Change program, with a focus on intensive employment goals planning. As a result, 84% of trainees graduated and 83% transitioned to employment or education.
Youth
advocacy skills development through our Voice For Change youth advisory program
In early 2024, we began the second iteration of our Voice for Change Youth Advisory Program, funded by the City of Melbourne through the Social Innovation Partnership Program. This iteration involves For Change Co. facilitating a new team of youth advisors to evaluate the City of Melbourne’s Community Engagement and Impact teams' consultation processes. We’re excited to share the outcomes of this program in the coming months.
Number of participants transitioned directly to further paid employment from this program: 2
86% of participants reported an increase in career direction in post-program surveys.
Post-program survey response measuring connection to employment and support: 6/7.
Increase in quality of life:
Positive
increases in wellbeing for participants engaged in our Pathways For Change program.
Every day, we see the positive impact of our program on the wellbeing and confidence of our trainees. As they are encouraged to challenge themselves, build their routine, and connect with their workplace, we observe improvements in their passion for work and growth in their rapport with our trainer team and venue customer base. This is crucial for building their sense of personal achievement and self-worth, supporting their transition from supported housing to long-term independent housing.
Post-program participant survey responses measuring the increase in confidence for Pathways for Change program participants: 6.7/7
Positive increase in social connectedness for participants engaged in our programs.
Our program provides participants with the opportunity to connect with a supportive community of team members and customers at our venue spaces.
Building positive working relationships and contributing to a team are crucial outcomes as trainees develop their connection to the community.
Increase in surveys measuring feeling respected and valued as a person: pre-program: 4.7/7
post-program: 6/7
“I had so many people around me who helped me so much every day. I learnt discipline. I matured while I was at the program. I learnt how to be on time. I learnt how to communicate with people confidently. For Change Co. helped me prepare for interviews how to act and dress for an interview.”
Scan to learn more about Faye's story.
Our Model
Our venues are the home base of our impact at For Change Co. and operate as a mini-ecosystem to create the foundation for our work.
Profit Generation
Crêpes for Change and Catering for Change are our profit generators and spread our work far and wide to the events that we attend.
Our Impact
Each cafe hosts trainees in our Pathways For Change program, creating a safe and welcoming environment for trainees to learn and thrive. Each of our cafes are important community hubs. We're proud of our local partners and customers who support each of our venues to make our work possible and help support our life-changing programs.
Catering Training Growth Crepes
Crêpes for Change
"Thank you so much for taking the time and effort to come out to our Cotton On DC!! The entire team thoroughly enjoyed the crepes and were very happy to support your cause!”
- Cotton On Distribution Centre
Catering for Change
“Most importantly it was delicious! We had positive feedback from guests and when they found out about your organisation they were pleased that we were supporting a great cause.”
- Australian Red Cross Lifeblood
For Change Cafe, Brunswick
“Totally down for this local caf'! There's even an option to pay a coffee forward for a human who needs a pick-meup. Great Service backed by a great initiative.”
- Brunswick customer
For Change Cafe, Bellfield
“This cafe absolutely stands very strongly on its own two feet. But the social enterprise connection makes it even more of a must visit. We will be back again very soon.”
- Bellfield customer
For Change Cafe, Lifeblood
“Our partnership with For Change is rewarding for two key reasons. Firstly, they provide a professional, friendly, and high-quality food service, and secondly this service is underpinned by a training program that offers young people opportunity to learn hospitality skills. The staff at Lifeblood embrace the fact, that not only are we getting a great coffee, but we are also enjoying a connection to an amazing training program, where we can see young people developing every day.”
- Mike Thompson
Australian Red Cross, Lifeblood
For Change Cafe, Middle Park
“Delish all vegetarian cafe! Attentive staff and good mission/values.”
- Middle Park customer
Our Community
Partnerships are important to For Change Co. because they enable us to amplify our impact and extend our reach to more young people experiencing homelessness throughout Melbourne.
A huge thank you to our wonderful community of partners, funders and supporters including:
AP Group Alternative Dairy Co. Admosis
Australian Communities Foundation Australian Red Cross Lifeblood Banyule Council
Bennelong Foundation Berry Street Billy Van Creamy
Bridge It
Creative Natives
Brian M Davis Foundation The Cluster
Equity Trustees
Five Senses Ferrero
Harold Mitchell Foundation
Launch Housing
Melbourne Women’s Foundation
Park Hyatt
Pressroom Philanthropy
Social Venture Partner’s Melbourne
The Inner North Community Foundation
Matana Foundation
Mind Australia
FiftyFive5
Good Cycles
Josh's Rainbow Eggs
Melbourne City Mission
Nightingale
Perpetual The Phillips Family Foundation
Rotary Melbourne Salvation Army
Southport Community Housing St David’s Dairy
Sunshine Foundation SYC Vincent Care
Waratah Special Development School Westpac Foundation Wetherall Family Foundation
William Angliss Charitable Fund WISE Employment
The Y Zig Inge Foundation
Yarra Trams
Case Study:
Place-based collaboration with local housing support services - Mind Australia’s Apollo Housing Service.
One of For Change Co.’s key specialist housing partners is Mind Australia’s Apollo residential service, located in Rosanna near our Bellfield cafe. Mind Australia provides medium-term housing and mental health support to young people at risk of homelessness.
22%
of last years Pathways for Change participants were supported by Mind Australia, all of whom were working at For Change Cafe, Bellfield.
Our geographically diverse venues allow us to engage with local services and meet the needs of young people, especially those managing mental health challenges who benefit from increased interpersonal support. For Change Co. provides the flexible, supportive environment they need to achieve their employment goals.
This collaboration is highly collaborative, with Mind Australia helping participants adjust to work routines and track their progress.
Partners like Mind Australia are vital to ensuring our programs provide holistic support for young people's wellbeing and success.
“Following their participation in their For Change Co. program, we have noticed quite significant changes in their mental health and wellbeing, including an increase in their self-confidence and self-esteem, which is often a massive barrier to entering the workforce.”
- Tyson Team Leader at Mind Australia
“It’s a really nice environment to work in. I like it a lot, the people I work with are nice, the customers are nice and it’s good work. All of the skills have been pretty interesting to learn about. It was tricky at first but it was really rewarding to gradually build those skills, it became automatic.”
- Cody For Change Co. Trainee, engaged with Mind Australia
“[The young person had] huge changes in confidence, self esteem, mental wellbeing and life skills. The support and training provided was so flexible and adapted to the young person's needs.”
- Emma Mind Australia Support Worker
Our Team Board
Chair of the Board - Nicholas Verginis
Treasurer - Kenneth Wong
Co-Founder and Director - Levi Fernandez
Director - Cassie Buttigieg
Director - Myles Munro
Director - Wendy Tansey
Retired directors during FY24
Katie Nicol, Judith Hargrave, Paul Benveniste
Executive Team
Co-Founder and Managing Director -
Head of Operations - Fiona Walker
Head of Impact - Joe McAllister
Marketing and Communications Coordinator -
Training and Transitions Coordinator -
Digital Marketing Officer - Abby Flett
Venue Managers
Crêpes for Change - Jill Cameron
Bellfield - Annabel Jones / Rachael Lee
Brunswick - Jam Taylor
Middle Park - Ross Eckersley
Lifeblood - Lucy Conn
Team Members
Abby Gilmore
Emma Campbell
Ewan Thomas
Jon-Paul Madgwick
Kyuhen Dykes
Louis Caldow
Madeleine Hayward
Nick Hayes
Sofia Di Vincienzo
Tiarna Graham
4.64/5!
Average for the question:
“Do you feel like For Change Co. is a safe and inclusive place to work?”
“How happy are you with the culture of the organisation?”
“Working at For Change Co. has been an awesome opportunity and I'm happy to be a part of For Change Co. Every day we work towards tackling youth homelessness, and do our part in the community to assist those who come through our training, that they are capable of greatness. I look forward to the awesome things that For Change Co. achieves in the years to come.”
- Jon-Paul Madgwick
“Working for For Change Co. comes with a sense of belonging, purpose and connection. I feel proud to be a part of the Brunswick community and look forward to each shift, as it brings new learning opportunities for our trainees in a fun and comfortable work environment.”
- Abby Gilmore
Our Impact In The Broader Community
Reconciliation
We have continued with our Reflect Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) this year, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to reconciliation both as an organisation and within our community.
As an organisation dedicated to addressing youth homelessness, which disproportionately affects Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, we recognise that reconciliation must be a central focus. We are a valuesdriven organisation and firmly believe in our responsibility to integrate reconciliation into all aspects of our work. We invite our team and community to join us on this journey.
Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
At For Change Co., we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive environment. We believe that embracing diversity enriches our community and strengthens our work. Our approach ensures that everyone, regardless of background, has equal opportunities and feels valued and respected.
We strive to create an inclusive culture where diverse perspectives are celebrated and everyone has a voice. By prioritising diversity, equity, and inclusion, we enhance our ability to drive meaningful change and support our mission to tackle youth homelessness.
Sustainability
Sustainability is at the heart of what we do. Our 100% vegetarian menu supports a healthier planet, while discounts for reusable cups encourage eco-friendly practices.
We compost coffee grounds and food waste and use compostable and recyclable packaging to minimise our environmental footprint. Our commitment extends to using 100% fossil fuel-free energy sources, ensuring our operations are as green as possible. Additionally, 100% of the profits from our cafes, catering, and food truck go towards tackling youth homelessness. Making every purchase a step towards a better future for our community.
Sustainable Development Goals
For Change Co. have identified which aspects of their impact model contributes to the 17 Sustainable Development Goals developed by the United Nations general assembly in 2015.
SDG1 No Poverty
• 83% of our trainees graduate and transition to employment, further education, or both, creating clear opportunities and financial support to move out of poverty.
SDG8 Decent Work and Economic Growth
• Our Financial Literacy workshops contribute to positive outcomes with our trainees with trainees collectively showing a reduction in economic strain post program.
• Post-program participants surveys show a rating for confidence from 6.7/7.
• Participants surveys show an increase of feeling social connectedness from 4.9/7 to 6.2/7
• 80% of respondents are employed 12 months post program.
This analysis will focus on the whole scope of For Change Co’s. impact model including; our venue operations, skills training and employment program, extended support program and skills training workshops. Our key contributions to specific sustainable development goals are highlighted below.
SDG3 Good Health and Wellbeing
• Quality of life scores improved from 4.3 to 5.4 out of 7 for our 2023-2024 trainees.
• General wellbeing scores rose from 4.9 to 5.3 out of 8 for trainees.
SDG10 Reduced Inequalities
• 73% of respondents transition to autonomous housing 12 months post program.
• 75% of participants in our Youth Advisory program have transitioned to further employment in the youth, health or social service sectors.
Looking Ahead
NEW CEO New Chapter
Welcoming Miranda Campbell as our new CEO marks an important new chapter in For Change Co.’s story. It’s time to build on the strong foundations we’ve established and evolve our social enterprise as we continue to pursue our core vision and mission. This transition is a significant milestone for any Co-Founder-led organisation, and we are proud to reach this point, with our team eager to embrace the next stage.
We are excited about Miranda’s visionary leadership, strategic insights, and her ability to connect with people. With her at the helm, For Change Co. is poised to deepen its impact for generations of young people to come. While the future may still be unfolding, we are confident that we are in safe hands and ready for this new iteration of CHANGE.
Facing The Challenges Coming At Young People Head-On Board Development
Our Board of Directors plays a crucial role in guiding For Change Co.'s vision and ensuring we act in the best interests of the young people we support. Over the past year, we’ve welcomed new faces to our board as several original members stepped down.
We are incredibly grateful for the contributions of our new board members this year—Nick Verginis, Kenneth Wong, Wendy Tansey, and Cassie Buttigieg—each bringing a wealth of experience and skills to support the development of For Change Co.
Our work will always be focused on the needs and goals of the young people we support. We are determined to continue to grow our services, and to diversify our impact in ways that will best serve young people in our community as we continue to face the current cost of living crisis.
Change isn’t easy, but that is what we’re
Be a Part of Our Community
Joining the For Change Co. community is a meaningful way to help tackle youth homelessness and make a difference. Here’s how you can get involved:
Become a Donor
While we generate the majority of our revenue through trade and receive no recurring government funding, your donations are vital for building our capacity and creating more opportunities for young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness. Every contribution helps us expand our impact and support our programs.
Become an Open Shift Partner
Your support helps our incredible young people transition into long-term, sustainable employment and break the cycle of homelessness.
Visit Our Venues:
Drop by one of our cafes and enjoy a delicious meal or coffee. Every purchase supports our mission to tackle youth homelessness.
For Change Cafe, Brunswick
6 Florence St, Brunswick
For Change Cafe, Bellfield
13 Daphne Cres, Bellfield
For Change Cafe, Middle Park
Middle Park Lightrail Station, Canterbury Rd, Middle Park
Bring Change to Your Next Event
Whether you need catering for an event, a food truck for a festival, wedding or a delicious spread for a corporate gathering, hiring our services is a powerful way to support what we do.
Crêpes For Change
Crêpes for Change, Australia’s first nonprofit crêpe truck, serves authentic, purpose-driven crêpes across Victoria. Our delicious crêpes, made from a family recipe, impress guests while supporting pathways out of homelessness. Join us in creating real change through meaningful catering for your event.
Catering For Change
Catering for Change offers high-quality, 100% vegetarian food that will satisfy your guests while also making a difference. Every event we cater redirects 100% of profits to Pathways for Change and helps us tackle youth homelessness, together.
