YMCA Bridge Project

Early start for a great cause in support of the @ymcavictoria #BridgeBreakfast -giving young people a second chance through employment breaking the cycle of crime. #SpringSt #JobsVic

That’s a wrap from Myer Mural Hall this morning. Have a wonderful day! #BridgeBreakfast

By recognizing the potential in these young people, you don’t just give them a job, you give them the opportunity to take a second chance at life #BridgeBreakfast

You can be a force for positive change by helping us reach our target of providing 30 sustainable employment opportunities for young ex-offenders #BridgeBreakfast

Thanks once again to all of our wonderful supporters this morning. Don’t forget you can make a difference to young people’s lives by hiring through the YMCA Bridge Project #BridgeBreakfast

Now it’s time to draw the winners for our raffle prizes. Thanks to the wonderful partners from Verve Photogrophy, Marysville Golf and Vibe Hotel and the Melbourne Arts Centre, for generously donating our prizes #BridgeBreakfast

"If we invest our time. If we invest our care. We're going to inspire belief. We're going to inspire change. Most of all we're going to inspire potential." #BridgeBreakfast

"I'm not asking your help for me. I'm asking it for the young people out there wondering what they're going to do with themselves. For all the parents out there worried sick." #BridgeBreakfast

"Every year this event ignites passion. A few weeks go by, or a few months. But nothing happens. That can't happen this year." #BridgeBreakfast

Lots of thanks from Mick to all of our wonderful supporters, including the guests here today and all of our partners and sponsors #BridgeBreakfast

Our final speaker for the day is YMCA Bridge Project Manager Mick Cronin #BridgeBreakfast

A thoroughly deserved standing ovation from the crowd here for the young man sharing his story here today #BridgeBreakfast

"Looking back all I needed was just a chance and some support. I would encourage anyone in the room that can provide an opportunity to do it.” #BridgeBreakfast

“I have now been employed for 18 months and was recently promoted… Life and work are good for me at the moment and I recently got engaged to the love of my life and can’t wait to start a family.” #BridgeBreakfast

"In May last year I lost my mum who was my biggest supporter… I owed it to my mum to be the best I could be.” #BridgeBreakfast

“…I was referred to the YMCA Bridge Project for employment opportunities. I secured a job with Rebuild in Jan 2017 and I haven’t looked back.” #BridgeBreakfast

"I was released on an intensive 3 year corrections order in November 2016.  When I was released I found it really hard to get a job and struggled not to resort back to my old ways.” #BridgeBreakfast

"I remember one of my first nights in jail it felt like a cold hand was squeezing my insides because at that moment I knew I couldn’t run away anymore from what I had done.” #BridgeBreakfast

"... I started robbing liquor stores and clothing outlets… That’s when I committed an armed robbery and got sent to prison for 2 year prison sentence.” #BridgeBreakfast

"My mother always taught me that I should be setting a good example to my little sisters…which I wasn’t doing.” #BridgeBreakfast