News

Building Stronger Futures

Karinya & The Motors Foundation Partnership

18 th March 2025

At Karinya, we believe that strong community partnerships create real opportunities for young people to build a brighter future. That's why we are incredibly grateful for the support of the Motors Foundation, Motors Tas Pty Ltd, and Webster Trucks, whose generosity is helping us make a lasting impact.

A Partnership in Action

This week, Jane (Karinya CEO) had the pleasure of meeting with Jared from Motors Tas Pty Ltd and Leah from Webster Trucks. The meeting provided a fantastic opportunity to share more about the work done across Karinya Crisis Accommodation, KYM (Karinya Young Mums), and KYTT (Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy).

From providing safe and secure housing to offering essential life skills education and crisis support, Karinya ensures that young women and families can access the resources they need to move forward confidently. The support of organisations like the Motors Foundation allows us to continue this work and extend our reach to those who need it most.

Why This Support Matters

Every young person who walks through our doors has a journey, challenges, and aspirations. Through safe accommodation, tailored support, and mentoring, we work to empower young people to gain independence and stability. The Motors Foundation's generosity and commitment to our mission help make this possible.

A Heartfelt Thank You

We want to extend our deepest gratitude to Terry, Jared, Leah, and the entire Motors and Webster Trucks team for believing in our work and standing alongside us. Your partnership strengthens our ability to support young people during critical times in their lives.

By working together, we can continue to create pathways toward independence and a brighter future for young Tasmanians.

💙 Thank you for being part of our journey.

News

KYTT Expands

Welcoming Jye & Strengthening Our Impact for Young People

The Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy (KYTT) Program is growing, creating more opportunities for young people to access safe, affordable housing and life-changing support on their path to independence. Since its launch in August 2023, KYTT has provided stability and support to young people experiencing or at risk of homelessness.

A Growing Team to Meet Demand

To continue delivering high-quality, individualised support, we're excited to welcome our newest Case Manager, Jye! With extensive experience working alongside young people, Jye brings both expertise and a deep commitment to empowering young people to build stability and independence. His addition strengthens our ability to meet the high demand for KYTT's services, ensuring that every participant receives the tailored support they need.

Meet the KYTT Team: Dedicated to Making a Difference

Our KYTT team is driven by passion, expertise, and a shared commitment to transforming young lives:

🔹 Courtney, Senior Case Manager
"We cannot always build a future for our youth, but we can always build our youth for the future."

Every day presents an opportunity to positively impact young people's lives, supporting them through various challenges and milestones. The sense of purpose derived from working with youth is truly remarkable, as I witness the resilience and growth of the youth I work with. It's gratifying to contribute to their journey of self-discovery, empowerment, and personal development. The unique blend of challenges and joys in this role keeps me motivated.

With over 15 years of experience, Courtney is a strong advocate for young people, ensuring they have the resources, guidance, and opportunities to build a stable future. She specialises in trauma-informed practice, crisis intervention, and case management. Her work in youth justice, mental health, and housing services has been instrumental in reducing reoffending rates and increasing stability for young people facing significant challenges. Courtney's expertise and leadership have been instrumental in shaping KYTT into a high-impact program.

🔹 Jye, Case Manager
"Do the things that make you happy."

I started working with young people as I w anted to support them to help them figure out who they are and what they want to do, during complex and difficult times of their lives.

A specialist in youth housing and social services, Jye brings compassion, insight, and hands-on experience to the KYTT team. His background in supporting at-risk youth, crisis response, and justice reintegration makes him a critical asset.

🔹 Mohana, Living & Life Skills Educator
"We rise by lifting others."

Karinya gives me the opportunity to make a direct and tangible impact on young people's lives. Helping shape and guide young minds can be incredibly rewarding – I love what I do!

Mohana teaches practical skills like budgeting, cooking, and tenancy management, empowering young people with the tools to live independently and sustain housing.

🔹 Arlene, KYTT Tenancy Manager
"If you can't fly, then run; if you can't run, then walk; if you can't walk, then crawl, but whatever you do, you have to keep moving forward."

I was seeking a career shift that offered both personal fulfilment and the chance to make a real impact. Working at Karinya aligns with those goals by providing an opportunity to support and assist young people in need, which can be rewarding.

Supporting a team that helps young people with accommodation needs is meaningful. Knowing that your efforts contribute to something greater is a good feeling.

Arlene plays a vital role in ensuring young people understand how to maintain their tenancy and develop the skills necessary for long-term stability. She is outgoing and proactive, supporting young people and the case management team in achieving sustainable housing outcomes.

KYTT's Impact: Transforming Lives Through Housing & Support

Funded by the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF), KYTT launched as a three-year pilot with 12 young people. Within a year, demand skyrocketed, and the program expanded to support 20 participants.

✅ 100% occupancy—every available unit is filled
✅ 95% of participants engaged in education or employment
✅ Three young people successfully transitioned into long-term, stable housing
✅ Two young people moved from out-of-home care into independent living
✅ Three youth justice clients completed their orders—with zero reoffending

Despite these successes, demand far exceeds capacity, with over 40 young people on our waitlist. Reports such as Nowhere Else to Go: Young People’s Views on HomelessnessVoices-Project-Nowhere-…, Somewhere Safe to Go: Young People’s Experiences of Leaving Detention2025-03-03-Youth-Voices…, and Listen: This is My VoiceListen_Report_2023_004-… highlight how youth homelessness is deeply connected to justice system involvement, reinforcing the urgent need for expanded transitional housing.

References

Commissioner for Children and Young People (Tas). (2024). Nowhere Else to Go: Young People’s Views on Homelessness. Retrieved from Voices-Project-Nowhere-…
Commissioner for Children and Young People (Tas). (2025). Somewhere Safe to Go: Young People’s Experiences of Leaving Detention. Retrieved from 2025-03-03-Youth-Voices…
Commissioner for Children and Young People (Tas). (2023). Listen: This is My Voice. Retrieved from Listen_Report_2023_004-…

The Call to Action

🔹 Expand KYTT's capacity to provide housing and wraparound support for more young people.
🔹 Advocate for policy reforms that prioritise youth housing, post-detention support, and trauma-informed care.
🔹 Secure additional funding to sustain and grow programs that give young people the best chance to thrive.

KYTT is more than a housing program—it's a life-changing intervention that prevents homelessness and reduces reoffending. These reports confirm what we already know: when young people have somewhere safe to go, they build a future filled with opportunity, stability, and success.

Acknowledging Our Supporters: A Collective Effort

KYTT's success wouldn't be possible without our incredible funding and community partners, including:

🏡 Homes Tasmania
🏡 Community Housing Limited
🏡 Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF)
🏡 Givit
🏡 WD Booth Trust
🏡 Kinetic
🏡 Street Smart
🏡 The Launceston Community
🏡 The Rob Fairs Foundation
🏡 Zephyr Education
🏡 The Tasmanian Gas Pipeline
🏡 Ruddicks Chartered Accountants

Join Us in Expanding KYTT

Every young person deserves a safe home and the opportunity to thrive. As we move forward with evaluation and expansion, we invite:

💡 Community members, businesses, and organisations to support KYTT through funding, partnerships, or advocacy.

📢 Let’s ensure no young person is left behind. Join us in expanding KYTT and creating real change!

💬 Stay tuned for updates as KYTT continues to grow and change lives!

#YouthHousing #SocialImpact #KYTT #CommunitySupport #EndingHomelessness #Karinya

7th March 2025

News

MEDIA RELEASE

"Launceston's Karinya Youth Services Awarded $900K National Grant to Tackle Youth Homelessness".

A Launceston-based youth service is one of two organisations selected nationally to receive a grant from the Sidney Myer Fund (SMF). Karinya Youth Services Tas will receive a five-year operational grant of $900,000 under the SMF Inclusion and Equality grant round.

The SMF's grant-making focus area is 'Supporting low-income families to thrive in secure housing', recognising the intersection between homelessness, poverty and the demands of caring for children. An area that Karinya is very familiar with, having supported young families in their Karinya Young Mums Program since 2012 and, more recently, young people in the Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy Program.

The grant will enable the organisation to expand the role of a Life and Living Skills Educator to work directly with young families and young people who are socially and financially disadvantaged by providing them with essential skills to improve their quality of life and navigate challenges more effectively, creating a more stable, fulfilling future for themselves and their families. The grant will also establish a food hub, Karinya Pantry, for all clients registered with the service experiencing food insecurity.

The grant also provides for organisational strengthening with funds available for the professional development of staff and systems development. These are areas often not funded through mainstream funding avenues but are critical for developing a skilled workforce and evidence-based programs.

The increasing cost of living pressure, along with housing and food security, are having a profound impact on our community, in particular, young families and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, said Karinya CEO Jane Gaetani-Black. This much-needed grant will enable Karinya to respond to the increasing demand for support for those on a low, fixed income struggling to find stable accommodation and practical assistance, said Ms Gaetani-Black.

Quote from SMF

The Sidney Myer Fund has for 90 years supported charitable causes around Australia. The Inclusion & Equality Program is focussed on supporting low income families to thrive in secure housing, and over the current five year strategic period will commit $7.5 million in multiyear grants to support a range of organisations working in this area. We look for organisations which deliver impact in their work, whether through direct service delivery, or research, policy and advocacy. Additionally we value organisations with high quality governance, systems and leadership. Karinya Young Women’s Services has demonstrated all of these characteristics in its work with young families in northern Tasmania, so we are delighted that it has been awarded one of the first grants in this strategic period. The Sidney Myer Fund is proud to support Karinya and we’re excited at the prospect of its impact in the Tasmanian community in coming years.

Leonard Vary, CEO Sidney Myer Fund and The Myer Foundation.

About Karinya Youth Services Tasmania

Karinya Youth Services Tas, previously known as Karinya Young Women's Service, has over 45 years of experience as a youth support service. Our name change reflects the diverse nature of the young people we serve. Initially supporting young women 13-20 years in crisis accommodation, the service has grown to assist young families and young people in transitional accommodation who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. The organisation also recognises that accommodation, together with wrap-around support, is critical for establishing a successful pathway to independence for our young people. Our mission as a not-for-profit is 'Empowering young people to create safe spaces.'

Jane Gaetani-Black

CEO Karinya Youth Services Tas

janegb.ceo@kyws.org.au

www. karinyayouthservicestas.org.au

22 October 2024

News

Karinya Young Women's Service Tasmania Embarks on Strategic Vision Renewal

In an inspiring convergence of minds and hearts, the Karinya Young Women's Service Tasmania Board, alongside its Senior Leadership Team, dedicated a day to the meticulous review of our Strategic Plan for 2022-2025. This pivotal gathering was held under the expert guidance of Sara Redman, who, two years prior, played a crucial role in crafting the vision that propels us forward today.

The review session served as a profound opportunity for introspection and forward-looking planning. Together, we revisited our core Mission, Vision, and Values alongside our foundational pillars, ensuring they continue to align with the evolving needs of the communities we serve and the objectives we aspire to achieve.

Our reflections on the accomplishments of the past period were deeply encouraging. They underscored the significant impact a robust organisational culture, centred on our values of Kindness, Safety, Hope, and Integrity, can have on our overall outcomes. Moreover, a resounding theme throughout our discussions was the indispensable value and investment in our people — the heartbeat of Karinya.

This strategic review was about celebrating our past successes and sharpening our focus on the priorities that will guide our efforts in the coming year. We are immensely proud of our direction and the shared commitment to our cause that resonates with each team member.

We thank The Project Lab for providing the ideal space for our strategic planning day. Our profound appreciation also goes to our Chair, Lisa Amerikanos, for her moving note of gratitude, perfectly capturing the essence of the collaborative and growth-oriented environment at Karinya.

A special thank you to our fellow directors, including CEO Jane Gaetani-Black, Patsy Hodges, and Tasha Griffiths, for their visionary leadership and relentless dedication.

As we continue on this journey, we are buoyed by a sense of collective purpose and anticipation for the possibilities that lie ahead. Together, we are committed to creating, challenging, stretching, sharing, and growing — not just as an organisation but as a community united in hope and action.

Stay tuned for updates on our strategic initiatives and the impact they are set to have on the young people we are privileged to support.

23 March 2024

News

Karinya Media Release ahead of the

Tasmanian State Election

In the absence of any commitment by the major parties in the run-up to the State Election 2024 to support increasing funding of crisis accommodation services in line with Queensland and Western Australia by 20%, Karinya Young Women's Services is issuing a 'call to action' to our state politicians as a matter of priority.

18 March 2024

Ahead of the Tasmanian Election, Karinya Young Women's Service calls for immediate action on adequately funding crisis services for homeless youth.

"The rise in youth homelessness in our state is a clear call to action by the government," states Ms Jane Gaetani-Black, CEO Karinya Young Women’s Service. "Our political leaders must address this crisis directly and with the urgency it deserves. Policymakers can no longer ignore the needs of children and young people at risk."

In Tasmania, children and young people aged 12-24 represent 25% of the homeless population according to Australian Bureau of Statistics data from the 2021 Census, and this figure is expected to be higher than reported as the census fails to capture children and young people sleeping rough or couch surfing. This figure is also higher than the national average of 23%, and together with the recent findings of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government's Responses to Child Sexual Abuse in Institutional Settings suggests that Tasmania is not a state that cares for its children and young people.

Despite these concerning statistics, current election commitments by both Labor and Liberal in the run-up to the state election have failed to acknowledge the challenges this group experiences. "Statements made by our leaders that children are our future is pure rhetoric and not backed up by action or an intention to improve the children and young people service system," states Ms Gaetani-Black. “Whilst both major parties have been busy courting personalities, they’re neglecting opportunities to win back the faith of Tasmanians (spectacularly lost in the aftermath of the Commission of Inquiry into the Tasmanian Government Responses to Child Sexual Abuse) that they do actually care about young people and their safety.”

"An alarming reality has emerged in recent years: young individuals, desperate for a roof over their heads, are being forced to exchange sexual services for a place to sleep. This is a profound betrayal of their safety and dignity."

Crisis services in Tasmania are dealing with unprecedented demand for accommodation and support for children and young people with complex mental health issues because of domestic and family violence, abuse, and neglect. Funding does not keep up with the care support required and while other states are topping up homelessness funding by 20%, the best that Liberal and Labor can do is 3.5% and 2.25% respectively.

Karinya advocates for the following key actions:

Immediate expansion of crisis accommodation and support services for young people, particularly those affected by mental health issues and domestic and family violence, abuse, and neglect.
Development and implementation of comprehensive, long-term strategies aimed at preventing youth homelessness, with a focus on addressing the underlying causes, such as mental health and domestic violence.
Increased investment in supportive and affordable housing solutions tailored to the needs of young Tasmanians, ensuring they have access to safe, appropriate, and nurturing environments.

Karinya is committed to working alongside the government and community partners to address and mitigate youth homelessness in Tasmania but stresses that this requires the government to take the lead.

"We need action now to ensure our young people have the support and resources they need to lead healthy, safe lives."

Lisa Amerikanos

Board Chair

Karinya Young Women’s Service

About Karinya:

Karinya is a dedicated non-profit organisation committed to combating youth homelessness in Tasmania. Through support, advocacy, and community engagement, Karinya aims to create a future where all young people have the security and opportunities to lead fulfilling lives.

MEDIA STATEMENT

News

In a significant moment for our organisation, our CEO, Jane, had the incredible opportunity to speak on 'Mornings with Leon Compton' on ABC Radio today with Ms Heather Kent, St Vincent de Paul Society (Tas) CEO and Stephen Brown City Mission CEO. During this engaging session, Jane shared our team's transformative work in the community to combat youth homelessness. Jane discussed the vital role our sector plays in shaping a better future.

With the upcoming election drawing near, Jane emphasised the importance of community support and government backing in ensuring the sustainability and effectiveness of services like ours. Jane also outlined the potential impacts of the election on our sector, stressing the need for policies that address the root causes of homelessness and provide a pathway towards stable and secure housing for our young people.

In addition to this radio appearance, our team members Courtney and Patsy attended the Tasmanian Community Fund project updates in Longford, where they joined other funding recipients, including Working It Out Inc., Thread Together, Northern Suburbs Community Centre Inc., and The Shepherd Centre. The day offered a fantastic opportunity to share information about our KYTT program and hear about other exemplary initiatives around Tasmania. It was a day filled with inspiring exchanges and collaborative potential, further highlighting the importance of community efforts in addressing pressing social issues.

The conversation on ABC Radio and the productive discussions at the Tasmanian Community Fund event showcases the momentum our work is gaining and the collective effort in making a difference across Tasmania.

Those who missed the live broadcast can listen to the full conversation via the following link:[https://www.abc.net.au/.../hobart.../mornings/103559894](https://www.abc.net.au/.../hobart.../mornings/103559894)

Let's continue to work together to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young individuals in our community. Your support is what makes our work possible. Thank you for being a part of our journey.

13 March 2024

News

New Pilot Program Launched to Combat Youth Homelessness in Launceston

In a landmark event against the stunning backdrop of the UTAS River's Edge building, Karinya Young Women's Service has unveiled its latest initiative to address youth homelessness in Launceston: the Karinya Youth Transitional Tenancy (KYTT) program.

The launch event, attended by approximately 60 supporters, marks a significant step forward in bolstering crisis services for homeless young people in the region. Made possible through a generous grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF), the KYTT program offers individual transitional accommodation for up to 2 years, catering to all genders aged 16 – 24. These accommodations are secured through properties leased from Homes Tasmania.

Beyond just providing housing, the program emphasises comprehensive support, including crucial elements like case management and life skills education. These services aim to enhance the health and wellbeing of program participants while actively engaging them in education, training, and employment opportunities. Such holistic support ensures positive outcomes as young individuals transition to independence.

During the launch, Karinya's Board Chair, Lisa Amerikanos, eloquently articulated the organisation's mission: "Empowering Young People to Create Safe Spaces." The event also expressed heartfelt gratitude towards Sally Darke and the TCF for their instrumental role in funding the pilot program and the Honourable Jo Palmer MLC for her unwavering advocacy and support for Karinya and the young people we support.

Special recognition was extended to various individuals and organisations whose contributions have been invaluable in bringing the KYTT program to fruition, including Michelle O'Byrne MP, Simon Wood, Rosemary Armitage, Lara Alexander, The Kimberly Foundation, Bridget Archer, and Ella Haddad MP.

The launch of the KYTT program represents hope for vulnerable young people in Launceston, reaffirming Karinya's commitment to empowering young individuals and creating a safer, more inclusive community.

8 February 2024

Photo’s from the day.

News

A Heartfelt Thank You for a Generous Grant

We are overjoyed to announce a significant contribution that will significantly enhance the lives of the young families we serve. Diane Reid, Chief Executive of Karinya Young Women's Service, Jane Gaetani-Black, and Tasmanian Gas Pipeline Chief Executive Wacek Lipski have celebrated a generous $5,000 grant awarded to Karinya.

This substantial community grant, provided by the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline, is earmarked for a practical and much-needed cause. The funds will be utilised to purchase essential household appliances — specifically, washing machines and refrigerators — for properties associated with the KYM program.

The KYM program supports young families aged 15-20 in the Launceston area, providing them with safe accommodation and comprehensive wraparound support. This initiative recognises the importance of a stable home environment in young families' holistic development and well-being at a crucial stage of their lives.

With this generous $5,000 grant, we are set to address a critical need within our facilities, enhancing the living conditions for these young families. Access to new, reliable washing machines and fridges will reduce the everyday stress on these young parents and foster a more comfortable and nurturing environment for them and their children.

We sincerely thank the Tasmanian Gas Pipeline for supporting and believing in our mission. This grant is not just a donation; it's a lifeline that will significantly improve the quality of life for the young families we support, making a tangible difference in their daily lives.

Stay tuned for further updates as we continue to make strides in providing the best possible care and support for our young families. With the unwavering support of our community and partners, we can create a brighter future for all.

15 December 2023

News

14 December 2023

Celebrating Our Community's Generosity and Diversity

We are filled with immense gratitude as we acknowledge the incredible support from Owen Firth and everyone at the Launceston Commonwealth Bank Branch. Their heartfelt contributions have sparked significant positive change within our community.

A huge thank you to Operation Plum Pudding and the CBA staff Social & Charity Club. Their dedication and initiative have been pivotal in launching our new food bank, designed to support the diverse families participating in our programs.

At Karinya, we understand and celebrate the beautiful diversity of family structures. We recognise that 'family' means different things to different people; it can be a single parent providing for their children, a couple nurturing their shared life, grandparents raising grandchildren, or individuals coming together to form a chosen family based on bonds of support and understanding. Each configuration, with its unique dynamics, contributes to the rich tapestry of our community.

Our foodbank initiative, fueled by the generosity of our partners and supporters, is here to acknowledge and support these varied family units. By providing tailored support, we ensure all our program participants can access the essentials during challenging times and beyond.

We are profoundly thankful for the support from Owen, the Launceston Commonwealth Bank Branch, and all the hearts behind Operation Plum Pudding. Your kindness and commitment light up the diverse family landscapes within our community, reinforcing the notion that we can create a nurturing, inclusive environment for all.

Keep an eye on our updates for more inspiring stories and developments. Your ongoing support is the cornerstone of our success and community well-being.