Supporting Social Enterprise

 

Dixon Appointments strives to build a society in which we can take pride. As an organisation that has enjoyed success we recognise our obligation to give back to the Victorian community, and as individuals with unique experience, skills and knowledge we recognise our responsibility to share our resources. Dixon Appointments is proud to support and partner with social enterprise STREAT.

STREAT

STREAT is a social enterprise based in Melbourne providing youth a supported pathway from the street to a sustainable livelihood.

On any given night in Victoria there are 7,000 young people, between 12 and 24 years, who are homeless. These young people have few options and face a bleak future. Not only have they endured difficult situations that have led to homelessness, but most have no formal education or training qualifications, having left school before Year 10. With such diverse and complex needs, intensive and integrated support is required to equip these young people with the social and employment skills needed to lift them out of disadvantage.
 
STREAT recognises that creating job opportunities is only part of the solution to youth homelessness and disadvantage. It has designed a tailored program with a unique fusion of business disciplines, work experience and complex social support to provide a pathway for young people aged 16-25 years into the hospitality industry.
 
Since the establishment of its first coffee cart in 2010, STREAT has grown rapidly, now operating three cafes, a coffee roasting business alongside a production and catering kitchen, training rooms and office. These sites play host to over 350 hours of the job experience for each participant. STREAT’s customer base has purchased over 350,000 meals and coffees, creating a solid revenue stream. 100 per cent of this revenue goes straight back into providing training and employment opportunities for homeless and disadvantaged youth.
 
STREAT has trained 60 young people in Certificate I and II in Hospitality through William Angliss College, boasting a retention rate of 69%. Of those who have graduated 72% have moved onto further education, training and employment. Two STREAT graduates have completed full apprenticeships, two have embarked on university and another has started a Cert III in Kitchen Operations.
 
STREAT’s young people have experienced an increase in self-confidence and self-worth, the capacity to adequately manage their mental illnesses and seek treatment for drug and alcohol issues. Young people have been equipped with resources and life skills to better manage their emotional and physical wellbeing and follow their aspirations and forge a better future and livelihood.
 
Did you know?
  • Every night, 105,000 Australians are homeless
  • In 2011, 1 in 4 homeless people aged 12-24 years
  • In 2012, there were 44,000 job seekers in Victoria aged 15-24 years
  • Homelessness costs the community a staggering $5.5 million per person in health, legal and custodian services

To find out more about STREAT's programs, visit www.streat.com.au