Rob Lytzki - Program Director

Rob Lytzki & Caroline Lytzki

Rob & Caroline have been with Foundation 61 since its inception in February 2005. Rob's passion and vision for a ministry that helps individuals with life controlling issues, stems from his personal experience and struggles with addictions. Rob's desire is to share the hope that he has found with others and in turn see them share in the hope that he himself has found.

Rob has worked in the engineering / boiler making industry running his own businesses for many years. He has two years theological training as well as holding a Diploma of community Services (alcohol and drug work), Certifcate IV in Assessment and Work place training and Advanced Diploma in Counselling.

Rob's role is to bring oversight along with board of directors to the focus and future direction of the work of Foundation 61. He is involved in meeting with external bodies in building partnerships within the local community.

Caroline is a qualified Dental Nurse and works part time as a practice manager at a dental surgery. Her role at Foundation61 is limited due to work commitments but uses her gifts of administration to assist in the office and with some bookkeeping. As the ministry grows Caroline sees herself being further involved in the day to day running of the office & administration.

Warren Gibson

Warren & Wendy Gibson

Warren and Wendy have had 10 years experience in recovery programs, pastoral counselling and support.

Warren's role at Foundation61 is Program Co-ordinator and he is responsible for the day to day running of the household and organising the volunteer staff.

Warren has previously worked as a welder before becoming involved as a support worker at Crossroads Lodge Drug & Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation program. He has had experience with the Men's Ministry where he facilitated formal training programs, Bible study groups and recreational activities. Warren also worked as a co-ordinator and facilitator with the Careforce Recovery Program and spent one year training at the St Kilda Gatehouse Ministry.

Warren is currently undertaking a Traineeship – Certificate IV in Community Services – Lifestyle and Leisure. He aims to use this in his work at Foundation61 by promoting healthier lifestyles for the residents and giving them better recreational opportunities.

Wendy co-ordinates the women's ministry at Foundation 61 and is involved in staff training and counseling. She is developing a program to meet the needs of a range of women who are struggling with life issues including addiction, codependency, grief, depression, anxiety, parenting and relationship issues. She would also like others to experience God's love and healing power in their lives and her heart is to meet women at their point of need and to walk along side them as they journey together with other women and grow in faith.

She has previously worked as a Family Support Worker, Co-ordinator of Crossroads Lodge Drug and Alcohol Residential Rehabilitation Program, Drug and Alcohol Welfare Worker with the Salvation Army Withdrawal Unit and in the Women's Ministry as a Careforce Recovery Program Co-ordinator and group facilitator.

Wendy's qualifications include Diploma Community Services – AOD work, Diploma Community Services – Management, and an Advanced Diploma in Counselling & Family Counselling. She is currently studying a Diploma of Ministry. 

George Cottam

George & Di Cottam

George and Di currently volunteer on a frequent basis at Foundation61. George does regular gym and fitness workouts with the participants as well as giving advice on healthy eating and living options.

George's previous experience includes a variety of roles including owning and managing a caravan park, working in the timber industry, taking on full time studies to become a Naturopath and more recently becoming a Personnel Health and Fitness Trainer.

Di's experience includes administration, computer and reception work, owning and managing a take-away food shop and a caravan park. Di accompanies George to Foundation61 most of the time and they both enjoy organising and attending outings with the participants. They regularly organise bushwalking, picnics, barbeques, beach excursions and at times take the participants camping.

Their interests include bush walking, reading, running, gym workouts and swimming. George and Di see their life goal as trying to fulfil God's will in their life and put others first. They hope to be understanding of the participants and try to be positive role models for them.

Vicky Hutchinson

G'day my name is Vicky Hutchinson …

A little bit about me and my background!

In 1997 I went to work for Arohanui Christian Trust in New Zealand, who run homes for people with broken lives. Initially I was going to spend 12 months in the home to gain some experience and training but obviously God had a bigger plan as I was there for 9 years!!! I was solely in charge of a girls home where I had up to 10 young girls living with me (ranging from young children, teenagers, young mums and pregnant women). Working with Arohanui Christian Trust confirmed that God has called me to work with the broken-hearted as I have a passion for helping those who are hurting.

So what am I doing back in Geelong?

In 2005 God called me back home to Geelong, as difficult as it was to leave my ministry and life in NZ, it was great to know that GOD has called me home to do a work back here and continue my work with broken, hurting people.

And what am I doing at FOUNDATION 61?

I am involved in women's ministry at F/61. I have been working alongside Wendy and we have set up a women's support group in Corio. We have a vision for women to connect with other women who are struggling in life and to work together at overcoming the challenges in life that are sometimes hard to face, offering them hope through God’s healing love and a friendship with other women that hopefully will be a support for life!

We at F/61 also have a vision to open up a women's house of hope where women can come and find rest for their souls. There is a huge need for a women's home in our community and because this is where I believe God has called me to I look forward to playing a major part in the setting up and the running of the women's home.