Mission Australia is celebrating 25 years of its Mandurah Reconnect program which supports young people and families navigate conflict, prevent homelessness and build stronger futures across the Peel region.
Funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services, Reconnect is a free, voluntary early intervention program supporting young people aged 12 to 18 who are experiencing homelessness, are at risk of homelessness, or are facing family conflict.
Based at the Billy Dower Centre in Mandurah, the service provides counselling, family mediation, practical support and connections to housing, education and community services, with support tailored to each young person's needs over periods ranging from three months to more than a year.
Over the past 25 years, Reconnect has become a trusted support service for vulnerable young people - since July 2024 the team have helped more than 198 young people.
Mission Australia Program Manager Nessa Boland said the milestone reflects the resilience of the young people and the commitment of the staff they support to make a difference.
"For 25 years, Reconnect has helped young people through some of the most difficult periods of their lives, giving them the support, stability and confidence to move forward," she said.
"Our focus is always on keeping young people connected to family, education and their community wherever it is safe to do so, while ensuring they have access to the practical support they need to thrive."
The service has continued to evolve, introducing programs including Love Bites and Tuning into Teens, strengthening partnerships with seven local schools and expanding community engagement across the Peel region.
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