We have a Home !!!
North-Tracks Works is a youth program based in Lismore. The program is designed to uplift disadvantaged youth by providing resources, support and development opportunities that can lead to personal growth, enhanced employment potential and community engagement. Our comprehensive approach addresses various needs, creating measurable outcomes for success. North Tracks measures the success of participants through the daily transformation of each young person changing the way they see themselves and the world around them. Experienced Youth Workers guide the young people through the programs.
Where are We ? It looks a little rough but we now have a home. The old men’s shed in Norco Lane, South Lismorehas been made available to North Tracks to set up thier work space. It was submerged in the floods so you can imagine the state it is in. You can volunteer to help clean it up. This gives us a safe, permanent place to provide programs for the young people. Follow us as we clean up the space and start works that will change lives.
Lismore CETNAJ have kindly assisted us with electrical products.Bunnings Lismore have also supported us with tools to work with.
What do we do? – Our Programs The objective of the initial 10 week program is to:
We start with belonging because you can’t do anything to help a kid and change their trajectory unless you’re giving them something to feel connected to. Once a young person feels that connection, we can think about their learning. That can look like mastering a vocational skill or being out on the job or figuring out those life skills they need to share a home or have a family. This experience of mastery is very personal because it ultimately depends on their own goals. We think this ability to have a say in their own lives and take ownership over what matters to them is what independence is all about. And finally, we’re looking to help them experience generosity. Fortunately, there’s no shortage of these opportunities at BackTrack and we are lucky enough to attract countless people who want to offer their help.”
– Bernie Shakeshaft (Founder, BackTrack Youth Works)
Initially North Tracks was working along side Lismore Mens and Community Shed, help restore flood affected tools and build pallet furniture. The Men at the shed helped our Young People learning new skills and gave them a place to start their North Tracks journey.
North Tracks also worked along side ARRG (Animal Rights and Rescue Group) in Lismore, building pallet furniture for the ARRG, OpShop that was flood affected. The furniture has been very well received from the ladies at the OpShop, bookcases, shelving, 2 tier tables, low lining tables and more have been made and donated.
The North Track team were part of the Lismore Resilience (flood relief), 2 rooms project. Helping the Lismore community get back on its feet. The Young People have been learning to Gyprock working in teams with other community members on a volunteer basis. The North Track Team also spent 2 days helping re-paint a local business in the Centre of town. The Young People have learnt new hands on trade skills, as well as how to work in a team with new people and build relationships and skills that they can carry with them through life. One of our Young People shared a emotional hug from a house owner whom was very appreciative of the work that he had done during his time with Lismore Resilience, this was great for his self esteem and a connection made between community.
This is a list of ideas, but if you have other ideas Please get in touch >>>>>>
Email: info@northtracksworks.org.au
https://northtracksworks.org.au
Facebook:www.facebook.com/northtracksyouthworks
Chair of Board – Patrick Higgins M: 0416 218 933
Youth Programs Manager – Ben West M: 0466 672 746
North-Tracks Works
4 Norco Lane LISMORE NSW 2480
Bree took a big step forward this week when she volunteered to have the dogs (Soldier & Bunya) for the weekend. This takes a lot of responsibility and she loved every minute of it. Having settled into TAFE and working really hard with that, she is also getting creative with crochet, and works really well with the tools learning great skills. Take a moment to read the text exchange and you will see how far she has come.
Welcome to Soldier and Bunya! Ruff Tracks (Hawksbury) have given us these two boisterous young dogs to kick start our Paws program, thanks Farmer Dave! The young people benefit from learning to care for the dogs and training them to jump. They are valuable to the program in so many ways.
Bunnings Lismore and Ryobi together have generously donated a package of Ryobi power tools. This will provide the North-Trackers with the tools and equipment they need to further their hands on trade skills continuing to work on building furniture, cubby houses and working with Resilience Lismore through the 2 Rooms flood relief program.
