NINETEEN years after its establishment, the much-acclaimed local school-based mentoring program, Standing Tall in Hamilton (STiH), officially received endorsement on July 1 as a registered charity with the Australian Charities and Not-for-Profits Commission (ACNC).

STiH is also ahead of schedule with its campaign to raise $140,000 in 140 days.

So far $44,000 has been raised in only 40 days, with the organisation on track to reach its intended target by September 30.

As an endorsed Deductible Gift Recipient (DGR) organisation - individuals, businesses, and philanthropic partners are able to make tax deductible donations to STiH.

STiH is a local not-for-profit organisation that was founded by former Baimbridge College senior schoolteacher, Jeanette Pritchard in 2003, in response to a belief that there were several students who would benefit from a supportive, one-on-one mentoring relationship with a trusted member of the community.

Jeanette continues to be a long-term friend of the program and is proud of the recent charity status endorsement of the organisation.

“Congratulations, this is a fantastic achievement,” she said.

“Charity status is not easy to achieve so it says a lot about the status the organisation now has.

“I am thrilled for the team.”

In 2019, the STiH management committee, led by chairperson Robert Vecchiet, made the decision to expand the service and offer the mentoring program to all schools across the Southern Grampians Shire Council.

As a result, 13 junior and senior schools have established a formal partnership with STiH, ensuring more students in need who would benefit from a mentor would have the opportunity to access one.

“We’re really excited about securing charity status with ACNC,” Mr Vecchiet said.

“It is now easier for individuals and businesses to make a tax-deductible donation, and as an official charity we now have more opportunities to grow our organisation and strengthen the important work we do supporting our youth, our mentors, and our schools.

“We look forward to continuing to spread the word about our wonderful program and working even more closely with our community.

“We would love to see more individuals and businesses invest in Sanding Tall.

“We know that early intervention via mentoring programs can change lives, not only for our young people, but for their mentor, and for our wider community.

“Ultimately, keeping young people engaged is the greatest social and economic investment a community can make.”

The fundraising campaign started in May and hopes to raise enough funds to support 70 mentees in the program.

STiH mentors were also thrilled that the program had achieved charity status, believing the program is extremely worthwhile and offers great rewards for both mentor and mentee.

John Brader joined the program as a mentor in 2021.

“I’m older now, I’m 79 and I’ve always worked with children,” he said.

“I have grandchildren who are not in Hamilton - so it’s great to work with kids, it’s lovely.”

Doug Ward joined the program around four years ago and said he gets a lot out of contributing to a young person’s life.

“I’ve been with Standing Tall for four years,” he said.

“It makes you feel like you are making a difference.

“You might be saying the same thing as their parents, but they can just get to hear it from someone else and maybe they might listen.

“I’m also learning stuff that I wouldn’t normally learn because of the person I work with.”

Natalie Kalms also joined the program in 2021.

“I love it,” she said.

“I got into it because I was a kid out of home when I was 16.

“I kind of wish this program was around when I was younger.

“It’s also a nice escape.”

STiH program manager, Dee Barrera, said it costs $2000 to support one child each year, with funds going towards things like insurance, governance, mentor recruitment, screening and training.

“STiH does not receive any government funding,” she said.

“This program does have two staff who each work part-time, 23 hours a week,” she said.

“This is the time needed to make the organisation successful, to support our volunteer mentors and to ensure our students always feel safe and supported.”

To celebrate this important milestone, STiH invites members of the community to make a tax-deductible donation and support the program, now as a fully-fledged charity.

To donate, head to standingtallhamilton.com.au