Centacare Evolve Housing is expanding its successful Inspiring Future Leaders (IFL) Program thanks to a $490,000 grant from the Tasmanian Community Fund (TCF).

The program supports and empowers local community members to gain skills and con­fidence in planning and deliv­ering local projects. As part of the organisation’s Community Wellbeing Strategy, it is de­signed to enhance the wellbeing of their housing tenants and the communities in which they live and work.

“Centacare Evolve Housing are proud to be recipients of a TCF grant which will help to upscale our Inspiring Future Leaders Program,” said Cen­tacare Evolve Housing CEO, Ben Wilson. “The funding will enable increased reach and impact through the delivery of our unique community empow­erment program over a period of five years.”

Mr Wilson said the grant funding will be used to bring projects to life specifically targeted to the Brighton and Derwent Valley municipalities. “Centacare Evolve Housing is committed to this program with the knowledge that solutions for the community come from the community. We are grateful for the support of the TCF who recognise the value and future potential of the IFL program.”

The benefit to the local com­munity is great, with many successful initiatives being de­veloped as part of the program. The grant will support over 140 participants and the develop­ment of 28 projects over a pe­riod of five years. One-on-one coaching will be delivered to the project leaders, along with continued contact, support and coaching to existing and new program participants, leaders and projects.