Got an idea that may help the foundation? Please let us know what you think we can do to improve things!
Ideas? Suggestions?
February 25th, 2010ABC Stateline – Tony’s Place
February 23rd, 2010Hear the story (click here) of homelessness from the residents of TONYS PLACE told by Chris Kimball ABC 1 Stateline Program 5 February, 2010
Community Ideas
September 18th, 2009Bridge Back to Life foundation offers an outreach support service for hard to engage young homeless men and we are asking of the community to bring ideas on how the community can assist with accomodation.
Click here to Contact the Foundation
Or if you wish to donate – Click here to make a Donation
One yeay at Tony’s Place – The Chronicle
September 18th, 2009
From the article: (By Shae McDonald)
Rhonda Obad had a dream to open a house for men at risk of homelessness.
Her dream was realised last year with the opening of Tony’s Place, and on the eve of it’s first birthday in September, the venture has proved successful and has drastically improved the life of men who have lived there.
Ms Obad, who has spent the past 20 years helping homeless people, opened Tony’s Place after the death of her son. The house is named in his honour.
There are currently six men living at Tony’s Place.
The men undertake skill living programs while they are in the house, with the ultimate aim for them to be able to live independently.
Ms Obad, who does not live at the premises, said the men paid the rent, the bills and were responsible for keeping the house clean.
“Because of their living skills they maintain it all here,” she said.
“My role is to oversee the program and meet their needs.”
Over the past year, Ms Obad has also arranged for the men to see a dentist and access psychologist and psychiatrist services.
Living in the house has also allowed the men to find work and pursue study. Shannon Fitzallen has just completed a Certificate 3 in government and in business administration, and a Certificate 2 in business and in information technology.
“We are a little family here,” Ms Obad said. “I love all of them, all in different ways. Love does go a long way.”
Resident Josh McIntyre said if it wasn’t for Ms Obad he would be on the streets.
“I just want to praise her beautiful soul for doing it,” he said.
Tony’s Place is the first of its kind in Canberra and was originally made possible with the help of the Snow Foundation, numerous businesses from around the region and the generosity of the public.
However Ms Obad said the community could still help them with funding so the men could get to doctors appointments and continue to take part in nutritional and life skill programs.
It’s so important for the community to know about it,” she said.
“All funds go to the home and go towards their programs.” Looking to the future, Ms Obad said what she would really like was some ACT Government funding in recognition of the work they did at Tony’s Place.
“We’re run by volunteers,” she said.
“Here the government is speaking about affordable housing for homelessness. How successful is this program and yet there’s no acknowleging how sustainable it is.
“Who has done it? The boys. It can be done.”
If you would like to donate or help in any way to Tony’s Place, please visit http://bridgebacktolife.com.au
Rhonda Obad receives recognition.
May 15th, 2009On 15 May 2009 Rhonda Obad was acknowledged by the University of Canberra as an Honorary Member of the Golden Key International Honour Society
Golden Key is an academic society which acknowledges academic excellence. Normal membership is by invitation only if that person is in the top 15% of their degree course, it is a lifetime membership. Hon members are chosen each year based on contributions to the community or other outstanding excellence.
Winter Wonders Friendship Group
April 26th, 2009We are a group of women passionate about fabric, patchwork and quilting, who meet every second Tuesday to sew, exchange ideas or just chat.  Our 6 latest quilts have been made for Tony’s Place, and we hope all the young men will enjoy them. April 2009
Want to give back to the community?
December 6th, 2008Enjoy People, organising and having fun?
The Bridge Back to Life Foundation needs an ‘Action Committee’ to organise it’s annual fundraising event, so why not get involved?
The BBTL Foundation is a not for profit charity that runs ‘Tony’s Place’ – a home for up to six homeless men.
Meet people, have fun and use your talents to raise money for a great cause!
Call Rhonda Obad on 02 6258 0021 or 0432 955 073 for more information.
Or go to bridgebacktolife.com.au/make-a-donation/ to make a donation.
Homeless Program
December 6th, 2008Bridge Back To Life Foundation opened on 3 September 2008 a One Stop outreach transitional support service up to 3-6 months for hard-to-engage, hard-to-assist young homeless males 16-25 years of age.
The program based around the framework and principles of the Learning Model will focus on permanency planning to provide the client a sense of purpose, stability and certainty about what their future holds. From the outset, goal setting will revolve around realistic and clearly articulated outcomes.
Official Launch date 18 September 2008
