b'Connection through foodWe know there are times when young people hit hurdles in their life that prove particularly difficult to overcome.Meals for Change supports vulnerable Tom spent the next year living in a Uniting young people to buy discounted meals boarding house.in Ballarat cafes. When youre on Centrelink and living paycheck Through the program, young people pay justto paycheck, you only have enough money to $3 towards the cost of a meal in any of thescrape by and pay for the essentials.eight partnering cafes, up to the value of $15. Meals for Change gave me a chance to Cafes are then reimbursed the balance connect with my community, even if I was by Uniting. down to my last $20 of the week.The program also allows young people to bringI could eat tasty, healthy and hearty meals.a family member or friend as a guest and theyA full stomach at the end of the day is alwayscan receive a discount on both meals. a good feeling.This gives young people who are going throughBut more importantly for me, I regained my a tough time a chance to connect with theirsocial life. It helped me get my mental health loved ones. back on track.At just 18 years-old, Tom (pictured above) wasNow in his late twenties, Tom no longer left devastated by the death of his father. accesses the program, which is availableStill reeling from his beloved dads passing,to young people aged 1525 years.Tom and his mother moved to Ballarat. He has found long-term housing, is the proud I became depressed and withdrawn, says Tom. father of a four-year-old son and has also started his own gardening business.It was a really tough time. Tom kindly shared his story as part of With his mental health deteriorating, Tom wasUnitings 2022 Winter Appeal.unable to find work.This put a strain on his relationship withhis mother.I wasnt thinking clearly, and I moved out,Read Toms updaterecalls Tom.'