What we do

About Us

Our ability to belong and live with purpose is intrinsically linked to our capacity to learn, earn and live. But with more than one million young Australians currently unemployed, and additional barriers for the more marginalised, some people need greater support than others to fully participate in the workforce.

For more than 30 years, Youth Options has empowered marginalised young people in South Australia to transform their lives and lead a life of purpose.

Being sustainably employed is more challenging for young people who lack adequate resources and support networks. Learning difficulties, disability, mental illness, poverty, substance abuse, absence of positive role models and the influence of generational unemployment or traumas at home can also make it disproportionately harder.

Youth Options help people aged 14 to 30 to build their capacity to set and achieve their goals for a thriving future. We do this by nurturing trusted partnerships to help each person:

• overcome their barriers
• realise their own potential
• safely shift self-limiting beliefs and behaviours, and
• access the tools and support they need to explore and shape the future they imagine.

Youth Options is not a contracted employment services provider. We work with young people before they begin applying for jobs to engage them in the future.

From alternative learning centres to signature services such as the entrepreneurial “BizAbility” program, and “Pathfinder” which harnesses the power of gamification, Youth Options has a proud history of helping to create a world where every person can thrive.

Whether we are working with a student struggling to stay in high school, or a young person who hasn’t found their place in the workforce for some years, our person-centred approach can help them craft their best life.

With YOUR support, we can continue to make sure every young person in South Australia has a real pathway to an inspired and purposeful life.

Our Vision
Creating pathways to living a life of purpose  

Our Intent In 2028, Youth Options will be a leading provider in South Australia, offering a pathway to meaningful employment through our Enterprise model. Our focus is on providing specialised education assistance, emphasising life skills, resilience, and social connection.

We leverage our unique person-centred and authentic approach, learning programs, and skilled staff as our supporting assets. Our key performance indicators include demonstrating strong outcomes and ways of working, showcasing a place-based presence, and highlighting our practical, evidence-based methodologies.

We strive to equip all young people with the necessary tools and opportunities to realise their full potential, benefit from work, and achieve social and economic participation. This is the driving force behind our commitment to ensuring that Youth Options holds significant meaning in the lives of the youth we serve.

Our Mission
To support diverse young South Australians’ to transform their lives by developing the confidence and skills to live, learn and earn.

Values: 

Authenticity:
We live and breathe our culture of being genuine and real from our board and our leadership team right through to our service delivery team.

Belonging:
We welcome people in and accept them as part of our community with kindness and empathy.  

Integrity:
We act consistently with the values we uphold.

Learning:
We learn from our clients and each other to produce better outcomes and greater impact.

Unconditional positive regard:
We demonstrate an ongoing belief in a young person’s potential to achieve their goal.

Strategic Priorities:   

• Financial stability 
• Door opening opportunities 
• Impact 
• Optimisation 
• Expansion  

“Together, we help people grow, feel good about themselves and hopeful for the future. – Michelle Braham, CEO”