Early Beginnings and Founding For Change Co.
Tenille Gilbert’s path into the social enterprise sector began over seven years ago when she joined Dan Poole and his brother Liam to launch Crepes for Change. Driven by a shared desire to tackle homelessness, they started selling crepes to fund local organizations supporting youth in need. This venture laid the foundation for what would evolve into For Change Co., a not-for-profit social enterprise dedicated to creating pathways out of homelessness for young people.

The Pathways for Change Program: Empowering Young People
At the heart of For Change Co. is the Pathways for Change program, a six to eight-month paid training and employment initiative that supports young people in overcoming barriers to employment. Participants gain essential skills in coffee making, customer service, and food preparation, while also building confidence and a sense of belonging in their communities. This program has seen remarkable success, with over 80% of graduates transitioning into employment or education.

Fostering Personal Growth and Long-term Success
Tenille emphasizes a holistic approach to youth empowerment, focusing not just on career goals but on helping young people develop broader personal aspirations. Many of the young people who join the program have not had the opportunity to think about their futures due to challenging circumstances. By providing guidance and support, Tenille and her team help participants envision and work toward a better future.

Building Strong Community Partnerships
A key aspect of Tenille’s leadership has been her focus on building strong community partnerships. For Change Co. collaborates closely with local housing services, education providers, and businesses to ensure young people have the support they need to succeed. Tenille’s partnership with Nightingale, a values-aligned community-focused development, has been especially important, creating an environment where young people thrive both personally and professionally.

Leadership and Growth at For Change Co.
Since co-founding For Change Co., Tenille has led the organization’s growth from a volunteer-run initiative to a successful social enterprise with multiple cafes, a food truck, and coworking space. The organization currently employs 21 permanent staff members and has supported over 40 young people, providing them with the tools and opportunities to build a future of financial independence and stability.

Ongoing Commitment to Social Impact
Despite the rapid growth of For Change Co., Tenille remains deeply involved in the day-to-day operations of the organization, ensuring the success of its programs and maintaining the core mission of creating sustainable pathways out of homelessness. In addition to her work at For Change Co., Tenille serves as a board member for the charity Open Table, which focuses on food security, and is currently pursuing an Executive MBA at RMIT University to further enhance her leadership abilities.

• Key Achievements and Contributions:
• Co-founder and Managing Director of For Change Co., which has supported over 40 young people through its programs.
• Development and leadership of the Pathways for Change program, with an 80% success rate in helping participants transition into employment or education.
• Strong advocate for community building and social impact, emphasizing holistic support for young people.
• Board member of Open Table, working towards food security for those in need.
• Currently pursuing an Executive MBA at RMIT University to further her leadership in the social enterprise sector.
• Tenille Gilbert’s work is a powerful example of how social enterprises can create lasting change, and she continues to inspire others through her commitment to empowering young people and transforming lives.