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Ansvar Insurance, Australia’s leading insurance provider for the care, community, education, faith and heritage sectors, today announced the 2015 recipients of its annual Community Education Program (CEP) Grants, which provides funds to organisations supporting young Australians through education and life skills programs. The number of applications for this year’s grants were high and signifies the continued need for funding in the not for profit sector.

Established two decades earlier in 1994, the Ansvar grants have enjoyed longevity and growing support aimed at programs for young people (under the age of 25) and fall under two categories – Empowerment and Education, and Outreach and Support.  To date, Ansvar has contributed over $10.5 Million to the lives of thousands of young people.

“Government funding continues to tighten up each year in terms of charity and not-for-profit grants. We believe it’s up to corporate Australia to provide a helping hand, and fulfill these funding needs in any way they can,” said Warren Hutcheon, CEO Ansvar.

“Given the care and community sectors are core to our business; this is our opportunity to support organisations that focus on supporting others,” Warren said.

“All the 2015 Ansvar Community Education Program   recipients have shown great community commitment, passion and a long term vision for their cause. Further, the diversity of the recipient organisations says much about the depth of community support available to enrich the lives of young people,” he said.

Patrick Templeton, Founder and CEO of Operation Stitches, said the funding received from Ansvar for their youth programs was essential as previous government funding has been withdrawn in many community sectors.

“The Ansvar grant will help the project to reach those who need it most, and allows us to offer free educational coaching to disadvantaged youth to bring hope and make a meaningful difference in their lives and their future vocation,” said Patrick.

Jim Markovski, General Manager for Youth Services 20^th Man Fund, was particularly thrilled to have the Ansvar funds supporting their LEEP – Links to Education and Employment Pathways program.

“The funding from private enterprise is extremely important for the 20th Man Fund as it provides the means to implement new programs to be trialled.

“It allows us to run an innovative LEEP program to support 30 marginalized and at risk young people in a program where they would otherwise not have had the opportunity to do so. Our goal is to help young people realise their true potential; to become meaningful and contributing members within society rather than a burden. We are grateful to Ansvar Insurance for financially supporting such important education and employment initiatives,” said Jim.

Helen Glanville, Executive Director of Prison Fellowship – Transitional Education for at-risk Prisoner’s Children was another delighted recipient of the Ansvar grant.

‘We are excited to introduce some of the prisoner kids we know well to pathways leading to a crime free future. There are courses we will match to suit individuals with their vocational interests, aptitude and talents. The livestock, catering and retail courses will give them a positive pathway leading to a future of employment and a life of their own.’

The Ansvar award recipients and programs for 2015 are:

The Shepherd Centre – Spring into Literacy & Confidence

20th Man Fund Inc. – LEEP – Links to Education and Employment Pathways program

Cobram & District Specialist School – Alert Program – Sensory and Self-Regulation (Awareness and Ability)

CareSouth – CareSouth Homework Hub

Fighting Chance – Fighting Chance’s Work Experience Program

Operation Stitches – One Eighty Connection

Prison Fellowship – Transitional Education for at-risk Prisoner’s Kids

About the Community Education Program grant categories:

Empowerment and Education: Programs which provide opportunities to develop positive values that lead to healthy lifestyle choices and a positive contribution to our community.

Outreach and Support Programs: Programs that support youths who are at risk or are already experiencing difficulties (such as drug and/or alcohol abuse) through rehabilitation and/or skills training.