Garden provides symbol of hope thanks to community grant
Lighthouse Foundation is a charity that supports children and young people who are homeless or at risk of homelessness through therapeutic homes and tailored care programs.
The charity received $4,820 through Yarra Valley Water’s 2024-25 Community Grants program to help fund the water tank, laying the foundations for a sustainable garden at its Lighthouse home in Melbourne’s East.
The rainwater tank, community working bees and additional funding from Open Gardens Victoria to purchase garden beds, soil and plants, has helped the garden come to fruition.
This home supports Young Parents & Babies and the Kinship Family Support Programs, helping teach life skills such as gardening, nutrition and sustainable water use. It also supports young families to grow and cook food from the garden and share healthy meals.
Lighthouse Foundation Founder Susan Barton AM said the garden had been an invaluable addition to the home.
“This garden is a symbol of growth, resilience and hope. It’s a place where young people can reconnect with nature, nurture their wellbeing and learn skills that will stay with them for life,” she said.
“We’re so grateful to Yarra Valley Water for helping us create a space that nourishes both body and soul, and for enabling our young people and community to come together in such a meaningful way.”
Yarra Valley Water General Manager of Strategy and Community Tiffany White said she was pleased to see the difference the grant had made.
“We’re delighted to be able to help Lighthouse Foundation and the incredibly important work they do,” she said.
“It’s amazing to see the garden already taking shape and making a difference in people’s lives, and we look forward to seeing it and the people who use it, continue to grow and prosper.”
Lighthouse Foundation was one of 14 recipients of Yarra Valley Water’s inaugural Community Grants Program.
People can learn more about the program and view a full list of grant recipients on the Yarra Valley Water website: www.yvw.com.au/community-grants
People can learn more about the work Lighthouse Foundation does on the charity’s website: www.lighthousefoundation.org.au