It’s been over a decade since Youth Off The Streets last refreshed its branding and visual identity. With a new strategic plan and an ambitious goal to support even more children and young people in need, it was essential that we reflected on how to remain as relevant and impactful as possible for those we exist to serve – today and in the years ahead.
Defining the essence of who we are as an organisation was no small task – it was about staying true to the philosophies of our founder Father Chris Riley while recognising the remarkable story that has unfolded across more than three decades of team expertise, dedication and community building.
In that time, Youth Off The Streets has grown from a single food van in Sydney’s inner city into a comprehensive, holistic youth services organisation operating in NSW and QLD. It’s only fitting that our brand identity and visual language evolve to reflect our bold ambition to strengthen our impact and expand the reach of our programs.
Central to this transformation have been the voices of the children and young people we walk alongside. Their insights and experiences guided us every step of the way, shaping a revitalised brand identity that feels authentic to both them and the organisation’s purpose and vision. We also consulted and collaborated with our staff, volunteers, donors and supporters, corporate partners and the youth services sector.
Our brand essence
The comprehensive research and feedback process we undertook to distil our brand led us to a single idea at the heart of our purpose: potential. We exist to support vulnerable children and young people to realise their potential. With this guiding principle in mind, every visual element introduced in our new branding has been thoughtfully designed to reflect and amplify this vital theme.
At Youth Off The Streets, we believe that every young person deserves the opportunity to shape the life they envision for themselves. Our programs and services are built on the pillars of understanding, ambition and, most importantly, collaboration. These core values have been seamlessly woven into the fabric of our new look, ensuring it serves as a true representation of our mission and the transformative work we do with the help of our generous donors and partners.
Our new look
At the heart of our refreshed identity is a winding line motif, symbolising the journey of empowerment and independence undertaken by the children and young people who connect with our services.
Whether through education, crisis and short-term accommodation, mentoring, vocational training or youth justice support, this motif reflects the holistic support we provide, tailored to help each young person reach their potential and create the future they envision for themselves.
Our colour palette has also been reimagined. We bid farewell to our purple and yellow, embracing an optimistic royal blue and a grounding warm orange – a nod to our origins while setting a confident, forward-looking tone for the goals and opportunities that lie ahead.
Father Riley’s ethos
Alongside our brand essence and visual identity, we’ve articulated the foundational beliefs and ideals of our founder, Father Chris Riley, in a new set of Founding Principles. These principles reflect Father Riley’s commitment to compassion and innovation and his unwavering belief in the potential of every young person.
“These Founding Principles put Father Riley’s core values, ideals and practices at the centre of our work,” said Youth Off The Streets CEO, Judy Barraclough. “They recognise the strengths of our past and honour Father’s vision for the future of Youth Off The Streets.”
To ensure these principles truly reflect Father Riley’s impact, we collaborated with colleagues who witnessed the organisation’s growth under his guidance. Their input was invaluable in distilling the wealth of knowledge, research and experience shaped by his work, including his expertise as an educator.
“The Founding Principles show our commitment to holding Father Riley’s values at the core of Youth Off The Streets – in an active and deeply meaningful way,” Judy added.
We’re proud to step into this new chapter with a fresh look and a renewed focus on what matters most – empowering children and young people in need to reach their potential and create the life they want for themselves.
Learn more about our Founding Principles here
Why your ongoing support is vital
Every day, young Australians impacted by homelessness and other forms of disadvantage turn to us for help. Without your continued generosity, we will be unable to meet the rising need for our programs and services. But with your ongoing compassion and commitment, we can house, educate, mentor and empower more vulnerable children and young people than ever before, supporting them to build the positive future they deserve.
For students like Alice, a recent graduate of Key College, the impact of this support has been transformative. Reflecting on her experience, she shared:
“Looking back, I realise that my time at Key College hasn’t just changed what I can achieve – it has changed how I see myself. I’ve learned to recognise my own potential. I belong in places where I can thrive and where I can carry forward the values of respect and inclusion that I’ve experienced.”
Alice’s story is a testament to the profound change your generosity inspires. Together, we are building a future where every child and young person can discover their potential and create a life filled with opportunity, hope, and belonging.
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