genU, formerly Activ Foundation, is an organisation that provides services and support to people with disabilities. Western Australian organisation Activ Foundation merged with genU in 2024-2025.
genU's WA services are provided across the Perth metropolitan area, as well as in regional towns including Albany, Bunbury, Busselton, Esperance, Geraldton, Kalgoorlie, Kellerberrin, Manjimup and Narrogin.
Activ was formed in 1951 by a group of parents who wanted to give their intellectually disabled children a better life. Until then, children with intellectual disability were institutionalised alongside men and women with mental illness.
Karingal St Laurence Limited, trading as genU, was created through the 2017 merger of Victorian organisations Karingal and St Lawrence. Karingal was founded in Geelong in 1952. Today, the genU national footprint includes nearly 4,000 staff at 200 locations across Australia, providing disability support, senior, employment and training services. genU is focused on building inclusive communities that empower people to reach their full potential.
