Money For Jam - providing opportunity to disadvantaged young people.

The Money For Jam program was developed by TaskForce and trialled successfully with disadvantaged women. This project seeks to adapt and further trial the model for use with disadvantaged young people referred via Leaving Care, Youth Justice, Corrections, AOD programs and other youth services. The 12 week program provides opportunities to gain skills and basic qualifications, alongside counselling support. Instructed by a qualified hospitality professional in an industrial kitchen, the participants learn food production skills and budgeting; and work towards their Safe Food Handling Certificate. The accompanying self-care program provides tools for self-improvement, personal growth and development; and job ready skills such as resume writing and interview techniques. This ‘wrap around’ approach is essential for these high need clients. Three 12 week programs (3 x 10 participants) will be delivered and evaluated in the Southern Metropolitan Region of Melbourne. Having a trialled model will assist in securing ongoing support for the program by demonstrating the benefits and cost effectiveness of this approach with disadvantaged youth.