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YFS is proud to offer two Griffith University Logan students YFS scholarships this year.

The recipients are Debbie Nugent, of Shailer Park, and Charlotte Flynn, of Edens Landing.

Each year, YFS offers a $2000 scholarship for a local Griffith University student who is struggling to make ends meet.

This year, the organisation has offered a second scholarship, named the James Finn Memorial YFS Scholarship, awarded to Charlotte.

YFS Chief Executive Officer Cath Bartolo congratulated the recipients.

“Reading Debbie and Charlotte’s applications made me realise how resilient and committed they are to their studies,” Cath said. “They are deserved recipients and I wish them all the very best with their assessments and their future careers.” 

Each scholarship holder receives $2000 to help cover the costs of studying.

Cath said the James Finn Memorial YFS Scholarship commemorated a very special person to YFS.

“James worked with us in the 1980s and 1990s,” she said. “He was a pioneer in educating young people in Logan about HIV and AIDS, sexually transmitted infections and harm minimisation relating to drug use.

“Also, James established Logan’s first needle exchange service and helped set up an accommodation centre that housed young people who were experiencing homelessness.”

Debbie Nugent, of Shailer Park

Mum of two Debbie Nugent is studying a Bachelor of Education (Primary) at Griffith University Logan.

She said the scholarship would help pay for textbooks, parking and before and after school care for her children.

“It will definitely ease the financial burden of full-time study,” Debbie said. “I feel extremely grateful, happy and honoured to receive the scholarship.”

Debbie chose to study education after being a teacher aide for a number of years.

“After having my two children I started volunteering at their school, which led to becoming a teacher aide,” she said. “I thoroughly enjoyed my aide work however I felt like I wanted to do more, so I decided that I would get my teaching degree and become a primary school teacher.

“I’m in my third year now and I am doing really well. It’s definitely not easy, and it can be very stressful trying to juggle children and study. However, I persevere and never give up. I always try my best and work hard to be successful.”

Charlotte Flynn, of Edens Landing

Receiving the James Finn Memorial YFS Scholarship means so much to Charlotte Flynn, who is studying a combined Bachelor of Human Services and Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice.

“Receiving this scholarship means so much to me,” Charlotte said. “When I first heard I had won, I was overwhelmed with both excitement and happiness that I had been offered such an amazing opportunity.”

“Studying full-time and being a mum puts a huge financial strain on living expenses. This scholarship alleviates some of this financial strain and helps to fund university associated costs.

Charlotte has a passion for helping people, which led her to study human services.

She enjoys her studies so much she received Griffith University’s academic excellence awards in 2017 and 2018. In 2018, she also received the YFS Griffith University scholarship.

“When I finish my studies at the end of the year, I would love to help people who have been in touch with the criminal justice system or assist in preventing them from entering the justice system,” she said.

Pictured are Debbie (left) and Charlotte.

Who is YFS?

YFS is a not for profit delivering services to Logan people who are disadvantaged, vulnerable or want to improve their circumstance. Started in 1983 to provide support to at risk young people and families, YFS has evolved into a very diverse organisation with a multitude of services delivered in Logan and surrounding areas, including Redlands.

For more information contact

Phone: 3826 1500
Judith Hunter: [email protected] | Nathan Francis: [email protected]