A place in which you will feel safe, which operates like a family should. That means you are respected and treated like one of a family, joining in all the activities and sharing in the responsibilities. Foundation 61 operates on a total abstinence model, and we strive to keep it alchohol and drug free.

There are staff onsite 24/7 giving you support if you need it.

There's also social activities, and connections in with education and training for work - and even the chance for a a job from time to time. in the process you will learn all sorts of skills, including budgetting and money management.

We know that it's tough when you're trying to deal with addiction and other problems, so there is professional drug and alchohol counselling available right on the premises. Pastoral counselling too, if you need it. And as we said before, we strive to keep the place alchohol and drug free.

Each person has different needs, so the way we respond to you is designed to fit in with your needs. We will also support you in tapping into the community resources.

So if you are really wanting to get your life back on track, and wanting to do something about it, Foundation 61 might just be the place where you can start. That's what we are here for.

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The lack of residential rehabilitation services in Geelong is what Foundation 61 is committed to addressing. We believe that for some people the only chance they have to regain control over their lives is through a drug free environment where they have the opportunity to rebuild their physical, social, spiritual and economic resources.

A residential community, committed to personal growth and mutual support provides the foundation for a gradual transition back into society and independence.

Our support however does not end once the residential program is over. We assist survivors to find accommodation and set up home, settle into a new community and find work, and establish networks which will enable them to confront and overcome the temptation to return to their addictive behaviours.

Already Foundation 61 has established a small rehabilitation community in Mt Duneed providing accommodation and support for up to 6 men. Now we have set our sights on expanding this program and developing a second community for women dealing with similar issues.

Foundation 61 however has developed a model which does not have the same high cost associated with traditional rehabilitation services. The Foundation 61 model is based on a huge investment of social capital and committed volunteers.

This has enabled the organisation to make a significant impact in the short time it has been operational. We believe we have now earned the right to be heard by the wider community and trust that through new partnerships with a wide range of government agencies and community organisations we will be able to achieve our goals for expansion.

Foundation 61 was established 2002. Since then we have established a live-in residential program for up to 6 men suffering life controlling issues on a small rented acreage in Mount Duneed.

The current property provides independent supported accommodation for up to 6 men at a time in a caring family style environment. The program includes:

• Full board in modern accommodation offering a safe and secure place of residence 24 hour on-site staff support
• Opportunity to develop life skills that are transforming and permanent
• Qualified in-house counsellors as well as optional pastoral counselling
• Case management plans individually designed to best suit each participant
• Support in accessing community resources In-house training and workshops
• Life skills such as budgeting and housekeeping
• Referral to vocational skills and training
• Recreational and social activities

The program is supported by:

• A voluntary Committee of Management providing oversight to the program
• 2 full time staff
• 35 volunteers who offer on average 4 hours per week to the program  

In addition to the residential program Foundation 61 also provides opportunities for men living in the community to participate in a day program which includes:

• Counselling and support
• Small group work 
• Social contact
• Recreational activities such as camping, bushwalking, fishing, football
• Life skills such as woodworking, home economics, property maintenance

In the last two years Foundation 61 has also commenced a program for women. This outreach program helps support both the partners of participants in the residential program as well as assist a small number of women who themselves are battling with life controlling issues.