You’re invited to a special ‘Early years’ TFN Live event on Wednesday 25 September, dedicated to funding innovative programs that help pre-school aged children (zero to five years of age) and their families both in Australia and overseas.
Thanks to our host King & Wood Mallesons and the very generous support of a Sydney-based early childhood organisation, three innovative social change programs will pitch for programs that require funding of $40,000+.
Registrations are now open to attend this event, so book your ticket now!
Event partners:
Please note that 10% of funds raised is retained by TFN in agreement with the NFPs pitching as a contribution to our operational costs.
Project #1: KidsXpress
KidsXpress was established in 2005 to address the lack of services available to support children living with the effects of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs). ACEs are childhood traumas such as emotional or physical abuse, neglect and household substance abuse – experiences known to have huge impact of a child’s life trajectory. Through the delivery of trauma-focused therapy and education, KidsXpress provides mental health support for children aged from four onwards. The organisation will be pitching for funding to pilot a new program aimed at younger children, aged zero to five. This will enable younger siblings (together with parents/carers) of children who are already working with KidsXpress to also experience the therapeutic benefits of its programs and deepen the impact on families overall. Find out more: kidsxpress.org.au
Meet the presenter: Michelle Montgomery, Head of Programs, KidsXpress
Michelle is ideally positioned within the education and mental health professions having worked as a youth worker, teacher, school counsellor and behaviour specialist in government, private and school settings for more than 15 years. Prior to joining KidsXpress, she founded Getting Better Australia, a leading consultancy service in trauma-informed education.
Project #2: The Pyjama Foundation
The Pyjama Foundation was founded in 2004 to give children in foster care the opportunity to change the direction of their lives with learning, life skills, and confidence. Through its Love of Learning program, volunteers called Pyjama Angels are matched with a child in foster care, and spend one hour a week focusing on learning-based activities such as reading, playing educational games and helping children with their homework. Beyond educational support, this approach helps to create a meaningful, trusting relationship with the child. The foundation will be pitching to raise funds to screen, recruit and train more volunteers to support foster children in Sydney. Find out more: thepyjamafoundation.com
Meet the presenter: Bronwyn Sheehan, Founder & CEO, The Pyjama Foundation
Bronwyn founded The Pyjama Foundation to make a positive impact on the lives of our community’s most vulnerable children. Inspired by a meeting with a foster carer 15 years ago, she wanted to create a foundation that could support foster kids in need. She is the 2009 Queensland Australian of the Year and an ambassador for the Australian of the Year Awards.
Project #3: Deadly Connections
Deadly Connections is a specialist Aboriginal non-profit service. Established in 2018 as a direct community response to address the over-representation of Aboriginal people, families and communities in the justice and out of home care system, Deadly Connections aims to create change, improve outcomes and empower Aboriginal people by disrupting cycles of disadvantage, trauma and justice system involvement. The organisation will be pitching to launch its Parents and Bubs service – a locally-run program to support disadvantaged and at-risk Aboriginal parents and families to gain culturally responsive parenting support. The goal is to reduce the risk of child protection intervention and child removal in these communities by empowering Aboriginal parents. Find out more: deadlyconnections.org.au
Meet the presenter: Carly Stanley, Founder & CEO, Deadly Connections
Carly is a proud Wiradjuri woman, born and raised on Gadigal land. As an experienced criminologist, counsellor, trainer and social worker, Carly has extensive experience in the community sector and is committed to improving outcomes for Aboriginal parents, families and communities. She is passionate about using her lived and professional experience to create change and empower her people.
