History

Life Support Ministries Inc started from a single visit to a teenager in juvenile detention in 1992. During the visit Tim Sullivan was struck by the plight of all young people in the centre and had a sense of calling to visit young people in detention on a regular basis. In a short space of time, a small group of committed people were visiting Longmore Detention Centre (now closed) on a regular basis (about 3 times a week).

Over the following years a growing range of activities and services to young people in detention were added such as:

• fitness training groups,
• cooking instruction,
• music tuition,
• computer training,
• special events to celebrate Christmas and Easter,
• visiting bands,
• assistance in the general day school, and
• regular sporting games (such as basketball, volleyball and football).

The visitation program continued throughout all this time, as a central part of reaching young people and building relationships, in an effort to improve their circumstances.

Learning for Life Ministries was incorporated in 1997 when Banksia Hill Detention Centre was opened in Canning Vale, Western Australia. Tim founded the association to formalise the work of volunteers under the banner of an organization with specified aims and values.