Sometimes the most powerful innovations come from simply paying attention to what's already there. In my visits to Bimberi Youth Justice Centre, I noticed something striking – amid all the restrictions and uniformity, shoes were a constant source of pride and identity for the young people. They'd proudly show off their sneakers outside their units, sharing stories and connections through their footwear. It was a small but powerful reminder of their individuality and their connection to life beyond the centre's walls.

This observation didn't come in isolation. It grew from years of building relationships and understanding in Canberra's justice space, starting with a Snow Foundation-supported pilot exploring digital tools for the Drug and Alcohol Court (DASL). That experience taught me invaluable lessons about building authentic relationships and creating programs that truly reflect community needs.

Through this work, I connected with researcher Lorana Bartels, who has become an incredible force for positive change in the justice space. Her support and insights have been instrumental in shaping how we approach innovation in this sensitive and complex environment.

The ReSOLEution program emerged from this web of relationships and observations. The concept is simple but powerful: give young people the opportunity to design and create their own custom sneakers, transforming them from consumers to creators. It's not just about making cool shoes – it's about agency, creativity, and building legitimate pathways to income and recognition.

What makes this program particularly special is the involvement of Jayke, whom I met during the DASL pilot. His lived experience of detention brings an authenticity and depth to the program that no amount of theoretical knowledge could provide. Jayke will help participants see real possibilities for changing their relationship with the system, sharing his own journey and insights.

The timing has also aligned perfectly to introduce Confit Pathways to the centre. Their program, running on alternate days to ReSOLEution, brings their powerful G-Code methodology – focusing on gratitude, grounding, and goals. This complementary approach, led by individuals with lived experience of the justice system, creates a holistic support system for the young people.

What excites me most about this program is how it weaves together creative expression, practical skills, and genuine opportunities. When a young person designs their own shoe, they're not just creating a product – they're telling their story, developing marketable skills, and seeing a pathway to legitimate income. The pride of creation combined with the possibility of earning from their creativity could be transformative.

This project represents everything I believe about innovation in the justice system: it must be grounded in real relationships, led by lived experience, and create tangible opportunities for change. It's not about imposing solutions from outside but about amplifying and enabling the creativity and potential that's already there.

As we prepare to launch, I'm filled with both excitement and humility. This is my first full program in youth detention that I've shepherded from initial concept through to implementation. The journey here has reinforced my belief in the power of patient relationship building and the importance of really seeing and valuing what young people themselves identify as meaningful.

Through ReSOLEution and its partnership with Confit Pathways, we're not just teaching creative skills or running a program – we're trying to show young people that their creativity has value, their stories matter, and there are people who believe in their potential to create positive change in their lives.

What makes this program particularly powerful is our partnership with Butter in Sydney. This isn't just a restaurant – it's a cultural hub for sneaker culture and custom design. Their commitment to showcasing custom sneakers and celebrating sneaker culture creates a direct line between our participants' creativity and real-world opportunities.

Imagine being a young person in detention, and knowing that your designs could be displayed in a venue that's at the heart of Sydney's sneaker community. It's about joining a legitimate community that exists beyond the confines of the justice system. Butter's involvement sends a powerful message: these young people's creativity has real value in the commercial world.

We're creating a bridge to a thriving community that celebrates exactly what these young people are learning to create. When they pour their stories and creativity into their designs, they're not just making something for a program – they're creating potential pathways into a legitimate community that could transform their lives.

This is why we're so excited about the Butter partnership. It completes the circle – from learning and creating, to connecting with real commercial opportunities and cultural communities. It shows our participants that if they invest in their creativity and share their stories, there are people and places ready to welcome and value their contributions.

This is just the beginning.

But it's a beginning built on solid foundations of relationships, respect, and real understanding of what matters to the young people we aim to serve. With partners like Butter, we can show these young people that their potential extends far beyond the system that currently holds them back – they truly can do anything, and we have the right connections and support to help make it happen.

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