Raise Foundation

When your teenager stops “hearing” you—it’s not rebellion, it’s biology. 🧠💬 A recent Stanford University study found that around age 13, teenagers’ brains begin to tune out their parents’ voices and focus more on peers and the broader social world. Published in the Journal of Neuroscience, the research provides a scientific explanation for why this stage can feel like one of parenting’s toughest transitions. At Raise, we provide early intervention mentoring, stepping in to listen deeply and walk alongside teenagers as they navigate life’s challenges. Our expertly trained, youth-safety-checked volunteer mentors support teenagers aged 13–16 in schools and online, helping them build confidence, resilience, and help-seeking skills. You can read more about the research here: https://lnkd.in/gnbcZJtV Struggling to speak to a teen in your life? Raise Learning invites you to an engaging online webinar designed to equip you with practical strategies for engaging meaningfully with teens: Communicating with Young People 🗓️ Tuesday 25 November, 6–7pm AEDT 🗓️ Thursday 28 November, 1–2pm AEDT 💻 Location: Online Cost: $22 Register now — spaces are limited: https://lnkd.in/g2aX87Vb #RaiseFoundation #MentoringMatters #TeenDevelopment #YouthSupport #AdolescentGrowth #BrainScience

This month, we proudly hosted our fourth Annual Raise Youth Summits — one in the Southern Highlands and one in Sydney – two inspiring days centered on elevating youth voice and strengthening community connection. 💙 The Raise Youth Summits are a highlight of our year and a key part of how we embed youth voice into everything we do at Raise. It’s a space for young people — including Raise alumni mentees — to collaborate, problem-solve, and share their lived experiences to help shape our programs, training, and fundraising initiatives. Southern Highlands — 5 November A huge thank you to our incredible partners, the Waratah Education Foundation the Southern Highlands Children’s Foundation, who continue to support our youth mentoring programs in the region. • Young people took part in round-table discussions hosted by Amanda Thomas, Head of Youth Engagement at Raise, exploring the themes of connection and community — from enhancing existing programs to imagining new opportunities for young people. • Special thanks to Mittagong RSL for generously donating the venue and Berrima Bus Lines for providing transport. Sydney - 12 November • With the generous support of Braze, who welcomed us into their office for a day of connection and inspiration, young people enjoyed a behind-the-scenes office tour and a career panel Q&A with members of the Braze team, who shared their career journeys and insights. • Young people shared the issues that matter most — from the social media ban to misconceptions about their generation — and led meaningful conversations about what their communities need and what connection looks like in an AI-driven world. A heartfelt thank you to all the incredible young people who took part across both Summits — your ideas, insights, and energy continue to inspire us and ensure that youth voice remains at the heart of everything we do at Raise. #RaiseFoundation #YouthSummit #YouthEmpowerment #Mentoring #DesignThinking

Today, our Founder and CEO, Vicki Condon AM, spoke to Michael McLaren about the power of mentoring. If you want to hear what she had to say you can listen here: https://lnkd.in/ewEuTJEE And if you're interesting in becoming a mentor you can find out more and apply here: https://lnkd.in/eThVuuaY

Thank you for stepping up for teens! What an incredible community effort — together, our mentors and supporters raised $80,000 through this year’s Step by Step challenge. This achievement means we can fund two additional in-school mentoring programs in 2026, providing up to 30 young people with 20 weeks of one-to-one support from a professionally trained mentor. We were thrilled to see a record 900+ participants take part — forming teams, engaging their networks, and sharing powerful stories along the way. Your collective impact will change young lives. Thank you for being part of the Raise community and for stepping up for teen mental health. #RaiseFoundation #StepByStepChallenge #YouthMentalHealth #ThankYou #Mentoring

Struggling to speak to a teen in your life? Are you a parent /care giver or educator wanting to better connect with young people aged 12–18? Raise Learning invites you to an engaging online webinar designed to equip you with practical strategies for engaging meaningfully with teens: Communicating with Young People 🗓️ Tuesday 25 November, 6–7pm AEDT 🗓️ Thursday 28 November, 1–2pm AEDT 💻 Location: Online Cost: $22 What you’ll learn: ✅ Youth Mental Health & Wellbeing: Understand the challenges young Australians face—disengagement, mental health concerns, and barriers to seeking help ✅ Effective Communication Techniques: Improve active listening, ask open questions, give descriptive praise, and build a growth mindset ✅ Connection & Trust: Learn how to be present, show empathy, and help teens feel heard and valued Through real-life examples, reflection activities, and live Q&A, you’ll gain practical tools to help young people feel heard, valued, and understood. Register now — spaces are limited: https://lnkd.in/g2aX87Vb

As we wrap up Raise Gratitude Week, we want to give a heartfelt thank you to our incredible Board Members and Advisory Councils. 💙 Their guidance, advocacy, and generosity are the reason our Raise youth mentoring programs can reach more young people and make a real difference. Because of their support, we’ve transformed the lives of over 18,500 young people and trained more than 11,000 mentors — mentors who are improving the lives of their mentees, families, workplaces, and communities. Thank you to all of our Board and Advisory Council members for standing with us, for choosing young people, and for choosing Raise every single day. Their dedication is the foundation of our success, and we’re beyond grateful to have such passionate leaders by our side. #RaiseGratitudeWeek #ThankYou #RaiseVillage #YouthMentoring

Our Gratitude Week celebrations continue as we recognise another vital part of our community — our wonderful school partners. 💙 A huge thank you to our amazing school partners, many of whom have supported our Raise mentoring programs for multiple years. Because of their commitment, more young people are feeling supported, heard, and empowered to take on life’s challenges with confidence. Together, we’re making a real difference in your community. #ThankYouSchools #SupportingYoungPeople #RaiseGratitudeWeek

As part of #RaiseGratitudeWeek, we’re giving thanks to our incredible Ambassadors. Each of them generously dedicates their time and energy to our mission of supporting young people across Australia. They bring passion to our fundraisers, share their personal mentor stories through #letterstomymentor, and help us spread our messages far and wide through their networks. We’re deeply grateful for their authenticity, kindness, and unwavering support — they make a real difference for young people and for the Raise Village. #RaiseGratitudeWeek #ThankYouAmbassadors #RaiseVillage #YouthMentoring

Here at Raise, during Gratitude Week, we want to recognise and thank our incredible corporate partners. 💙 Your support helps us reach more young people across Australia, providing them with the mentoring, guidance, and encouragement they need to navigate life’s challenges. Because of your partnership, young lives are being transformed every day. Thank you for supporting us and helping create a brighter, more hopeful future for young Australians. Together, we’re making a lasting difference for young people. #ThankYouCorporates #Changinglives #RaiseGratitudeWeek

To our incredible donors — you are the reason our Raise youth mentoring programs can reach more young people and make a real difference. 💙 Because of your generosity, more young people are receiving mentoring, gaining confidence, building resilience, and learning the skills they need to navigate life’s challenges. Your support empowers young people to thrive and sets them on a path toward a brighter future. 🌱 Thank you for standing with us to transform the lives of young Australians. #ThankYouDonors #Changinglives #RaiseGratitudeWeek