Brave Foundation to Expand to Include New Systemic Advocacy Division; Welcomes New Appointments in CEO and Ambassador Roles

After successfully securing additional program funding to enable the continuation of their ‘Supporting Parenting and Expecting Teens’ (SEPT) program, national not-for-profit Brave Foundation is set to expand their organisational operations, appointing a new CEO and establishing a new ‘Social Economic Empowerment Division’ (SEED). 

In her new role as inaugural Social Economic Empowerment Ambassador, Brave founder and former CEO Bernadette Black AM will lead the division in its goal of developing policy and funding approaches that intersect with multiple government departments, streamlining service delivery to better assist Australia’s most at risk young families over the long term.

“Over the next five years, our vision is to establish a ‘pre-social services sector’. By increasing the resources available to early prevention non-profits such as Brave, we will generate social and economic empowerment not only in the young families we engage, but their communities and our nation as a whole”, Bernadette says. 

“I firmly believe Australia can lead the way in transforming our traditional government systems so that assistance can be accessed easier and earlier by those that need it most, allowing for longer lasting and more meaningful impact.”

Former World Vision Australia executive and newly appointed CEO, Jill Roche, has been a key contributor to Brave’s operations and strategic planning since joining the organisation as Chief Operating Officer in October 2019.  Her significant leadership experience in the not for profit, consulting and corporate sectors has assisted Brave’s transition from trial phase to full-service implementation and service expansion.

“I am excited to be leading Brave as we work to increase our reach and impact nationally; this role feels like I am coming full circle after starting my own parenting journey as a single mother of twins at the age of 20.  I have a deep appreciation for the potential of teen parents, knowing they are tenacious, adaptable, and caring members of their families and communities.” 

Brave Foundation’s Board Chair, Dr Maria Harries AM, acknowledges the significant impact these developments will have on young families and the community services sector in general.  

“Brave has always embodied boldness and initiative – Jill and Bernadette have formed a powerful alliance through their mutual respect and transformational work together focusing on the young parents of Australia. This is yet another step forward in the successful innovative work for which Brave is already well known.” 

Since 2018, Brave’s SEPT program has engaged with participants nationally, assisting them to connect with existing support services and providing these young people with the tools and confidence to participate in the workforce, build their economic security and create happy, healthy, and skilled families.