Overview

The word ‘matana’ means ‘gift’ in Hebrew.

Established in 2003, Matana Foundation hopes to address pressing issues of youth disadvantage:

• the unemployment rate of 15 – 24 year olds is almost double that of the rate in the general population; 42% of young people leaving state or foster care are unemployed one year later;
• young people aged 12 – 24 make up an estimated 36% of all homeless people.

Matana Foundation is a Private Ancillary Fund (PAF). For further information about PAFs, please click here

Under the guidance of our founder, Karen Loblay, and our board of directors, Matana Foundation seeks to operate as a  philanthropic foundation that benefits the Australian community. We fund an active grassroots network across the non-profit sector and maintain a commitment to working with others through creative collaborations. We follow an ethical investment policy when considering investment strategies and our capacity to grow our giving.

History – VERA LOBLAY HOUSE

In 1991, the Loblay family decided to purchase a property where homeless young people could be given a home while they were pursuing their personal and career life choices. Coincidentally, a boarding house became available for sale which was already being used as a refuge for homeless youth, and Vera Loblay House became known as a haven for the nurturing and caring of these very vulnerable young people.

In 2004, after Matana Foundation for Young People was established, the family decided to donate the property to the newly-formed Foundation. So it remains and will continue to remain, a place of safety and hope for the young people who find their place there.

“Life isn’t about how to survive the storm but how to dance in the rain” – Anon.