Joanna from Wendouree cannot speak highly enough of the new partnership between Cafs and Ballarat Foundation’s TAC L2P Program.
Joanna is one of the 78 young people in Ballarat who gained their licence through the program in 2022, and the new collaboration between Cafs and the Foundation will now give even more young people the opportunity to get the help they need to get their licence.
The L2P program is ‘Super easy, and straight forward’ according to Joanna. After the team at Cafs had put her in touch with the program, the staff at the Foundation set up a casual coffee meeting with a mentor that they thought Joanna may like. ‘We clicked straight away’ said Joanna.
Cafs CEO, Wendy Sturgess said, ‘‘Cafs is delighted to partner with The Ballarat Foundation and TAC L2P to give young people the opportunity to gain their licence. Learning to drive is something that many people in our community would consider a rite of passage and may take for granted. Access to a reliable vehicle, a regular mentor or even the means to cover the costs of fuel, insurance and driving lessons can be out of reach for many families. The L2P program is more than just learning to drive a motor vehicle. It represents the chance for participants to develop valuable life skills, build confidence and sets our young people on a path to independent living. We are really delighted to be able to offer this program to our clients.”
Joanna agrees, saying that she is recommending L2P to all of her friends and siblings who don’t have their licence. She said that she liked that from the beginning of the program, it was always straight forward, from her mentor, Padma at L2P and her other supports at BADAC and Cafs.
So what’s the downside for Joanna? ‘It’s great having my licence now and being independent. It means I can get where I need to go and take my young son out whenever I want – but I can’t watch out the window and see what’s going on while I’m driving!’ So no more gazing out of the window for Joanna!
The L2P program supports over 113 learner drivers across the region. The TAC L2P program is currently seeking more volunteer mentors. For more information please visit www.ballaratfoundation.org.au or phone 0422 809 587.
