Empowering young people: Advantaged Thinking at the Logan Youth Foyer
The Logan Youth Foyer (LYF) is housing support done differently. Unlike traditional housing programs which tend to only provide safe and secure tenancy, the Logan Youth Foyer gives tailored assistance to people aged 16-25 years to help them achieve their goals in education, employment, health, and relationships.
Embedded through the program is a framework called ‘Advantaged Thinking which supports staff to provide coaching and guidance, ensuring that each young person has the resources they need to thrive.
The primary aim of Youth Foyers is to guide young people towards independence, moving them away from welfare and service dependency. After their time at a Youth Foyer, most young people transition to private rental or other independent housing options. They are often engaged in work or study and report feeling more connected to their community and those around them.
Advantaged Thinking is a fundamental part of the Youth Foyer model. It is an approach that maintains a continuous positive regard for young people, regardless of the challenges they face. This philosophy focuses on their talents and potential achievements, encouraging investment of time and resources to help them succeed in ways they might struggle to without such support.
At Logan Youth Foyer, Advantaged Thinking is evident in our daily interactions and activities. We involve young people in our operations, from participating in staff interviews to greeting visitors and giving tours of the Foyer. Our Youth Leadership team meets regularly to discuss the running of the Foyer and plan events and activities. They also serve as a consultation group for staff ideas, ensuring that young people's voices are heard and valued.
Weekly goal-setting meetings with young people are another example of Advantaged Thinking in action. These conversations help shape decisions about their futures, fostering a sense of ownership and empowerment. Our space is designed to be bright, welcoming, and inclusive, free from stereotypical pamphlets and posters about young people.
Our staff also avoid using stereotypes in everyday conversations, speaking positively even when challenges arise. We hold each other accountable to the principles of Advantaged Thinking, making it the first agenda item in every team meeting.
Our commitment to Advantaged Thinking starts when a young person applies for the foyer. We ask detailed questions about their goals and aspirations, and look to understand what they are hoping to achieve. Once they move in, we meet with them regularly to build on their plans, asking further questions and identifying opportunities for them to create connections that will help them achieve their goals.
We run workshops on topics such as healthy relationships and financial literacy, and we partner with organisations like headspace, Tenancy Skills Institute, and Services Australia to provide additional opportunities for skill building and resource development.
Logan Youth Foyer Coordinator Rachael Robinson has seen firsthand the impact of Advantage Thinking, supporting hundreds of young people to discover their passion and realise they can achieve their goals. “It’s been inspiring to see what young people can achieve. There have been so many success stories, from teenagers finishing their schooling and gaining entry to university, to young people taking on a career in advocacy and public speaking,” says Rachael.
"When you visit a Youth Foyer and meet our young people and team, you will see the Advantaged Thinking philosophy in action. The involvement of young people in the program and the positive way they are spoken about set Youth Foyers apart. In fact, we could not call ourselves a Youth Foyer without Advantaged Thinking being embedded in our program.”
At Logan Youth Foyer, we are proud to support young people on their journey to independence, helping them build a brighter future through the power of Advantaged Thinking.