Junction Support Services in Wodonga is not only celebrating Youth Mentoring Week but 11 new volunteers who have joined the ranks of its learn-to-drive program.
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In January the not-for-profit put a call-out for more volunteer drivers for its L2P program, which has provided upwards of 8000 mentoring hours to young people since 2010.
Twenty-two members of the community answered that call, massively reducing the waiting list.
Now McRae Holden has also come on board, providing a car for the program.
Stock Controller Angela Murcott said 11 staff had also signed up to volunteer every week to take young people driving.
“We saw a need in the community and we thought we would get in contact,” she said.
“It helps build their confidence and makes them safer on the road.”
Reece Causby of Wodonga is having his first session with a McRae mentor this week.
Despite obtaining his Learner Licence earlier this year, the 16-year-old has only recorded seven hours of driving in his logbook.
“One of my family members told me about L2P – my parents work a lot and so do I, so it’s hard to schedule time around our work to go driving,” he said.
“I haven’t really decided on a job (after school) but a licence will help me get around.” The L2P program, a joint initiative involving VicRoads and Wodonga Council, is one of two Junction programs requiring volunteers to support young people.
Leaving Care Mentoring provides assistance to young people making the transition from out-of-home-care to independent living.
L2P co-ordinator Jacque Owens encouraged anyone interested in either program to attend a Youth Mentoring Week event on Friday.
“Youth mentoring is a great for young people to have a another positive influence and role model in their lives,” she said.
“Junction Support Services has worked with young people since 1989 and we have seen youth mentoring change lives.”
Food and entertainment will be available at The Cube from 5pm to 7pm.