Taldumande Youth Services

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Who are we?

Taldumande is a not-for-profit community organisation based in Neutral Bay on Sydney’s lower north shore, governed by a volunteer Board of Management and managed by professional and qualified staff.

The organisation works with young people and their families in their local communities who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless , covering the wider northern and central city areas of Sydney.

In 33 years of service delivery, Taldumande has assisted thousands of young people by providing a range of accommodation and support options and through direct support to young people and parents/families experiencing difficult and challenging times at home.

We aim to offer services that enhance family relationships and assist in the prevention of youth homelessness and family breakdown. In response to the changing needs of families and young people in crisis within our local community, we provide quality short and medium term accommodation, case management, aftercare, outreach and additional support services.

Black tie dinner event:

TYS was invited by David Coburn on the 9th of June 2009 to a Black-tie dinner event at the Lodge Southern Cross No 91, as the Lodge’s guests and charity recipients for 2009-2010.
Carmen Bekker and Velko Gavran attended the evening, enjoying both the entertainment and opportunity to learn more about the Freemasons. A very enjoyable night, with entertainment, good food, great company and $503- raised on the night to start off the years fundraising.”

http://lodgesoutherncross.org.au/visitors/supporti/

AMP/United Way Backyard Blitz - June 5 2009

United Way* in partnership with AMP Australia did a hard day of work to help improve the facilities and office conditions at Taldumande Emergency Refuge for homeless young people.

Amongst what was done during the day’s work was:

• The fence post in the driveway has been moved back to provide additional car parking space for service staff
• The front and side garden have been weeded and wood chipped.
• The back brick courtyard has been sealed (preventing moss coverage and OH+S issues)
• Side path gate and posts replaced.

These essential projects aid in efficiency of service provision to homeless young people.
The refuge houses up to 5 young people in crisis and / or living out of home as well as servicing up to 6 outreach clients.

Ed Chan

*United Way Sydney is a non-profit, non-denominational organisation that improves lives and creates positive, long-term social change in local communities.

http://albums.phanfare.com/5489610/4059502

Parents, Barbara & Glenn

… it was a blessing when our son approached Taldumande for help. At last we had a skilled mediator and a ‘neutral’ place to meet. Thank you for being able to tease out the truth about why he left home. Thank you for meeting so often with us to listen to our thoughts, dry tears and relay information on how he was going…

We know, but for the particular quality of the social work Taldumande provided, the whole story would have been very different. Your service ‘saved the day’ in a very professional and constructive way, at a time when our family was too strained to cope. You helped our son reach the decision to come back to a better home, with a clearer understanding of the realities of looking after himself. We will always be very grateful to Taldumande and its supporters.

"How Taldumande Changed My Life"

My island upon a vast and indifferent ocean, I’ve taken refuge there. After being tossed violently around on a uncaring sea for what seemed like an eternity, my caseworker was like the light at the end of my tunnel.

My unit, which my case manager helped me to obtain, has been my sanctuary. A place where I can find some solace and after many months finally an element of peace. The workers have been like friendly island folk. I can be myself around them and be accepted for who I am.

They are compassionate and kind and are able to alter one of my dejected moods with just one smile or word of encouragement. The free meals and generous Christmas presents don’t hurt either.

Mi 1st case manager, Simon, rescued me from horrible forces that were working against me. His kindness and empathy were like ointment applied to the bruise of my soul. My new case manager, Tim, has helped me to really get direction in my life. Thanks to him I am now doing a traineeship with an insurance company and have finally found some direction. I am no longer a drifter but someone who is now on the right path to achieving my goals. “

Every night across NSW over 11,000 children and young people are homeless...

...Most of them in Sydney

Taldumande has assisted homeless young people in crisis since 1976 and is now the ONLY emergency accommodation available for young people in Sydney’s northern suburbs. We receive over 300 referrals each year.