Wesley Mission Annual Report 2020 - Flipbook - Page 65
Community hubs
Refreshed offering delivers greater support
to Newcastle region
Volunteers, the heartbeat of our community hubs
At our community hubs in Taree and Newcastle, volunteers are an essential part of our
operations. Volunteers build important community connections and make our spaces
welcoming for people in need of support.
On Tuesday 3 March, Wesley Mission CEO, the Rev Keith V Garner AM
along with Lord Mayor of Newcastle and special guests, gathered to
officially reopen the completely refurbished building at 15 Denison
Street, Newcastle West.
The event also marked the expansion of a new
approach to personalised assistance, making it
even easier for locals in need to access support
from Wesley Mission’s broad range of services.
“Our refurbished hub demonstrates Wesley
Mission’s continued commitment to the region
and to providing a network of support that
extends beyond Newcastle to Lake Macquarie
and the Hunter,” said Mr Garner.
“Wesley Mission has been serving the
Newcastle community for more than 20 years.
Many people know us for homeless services,
but we also offer education, training and
employment, counselling, mental health and
wellbeing support, along with foster care
amongst a wide range of other programs.”
Age no barrier for Taree volunteer
When people walk through Wesley Mission’s
doors in Taree needing support, Gayle
immediately puts them at ease with her
warm smile.
Delivering tailored support for children, young
people, adults and seniors, Wesley Mission
Newcastle will act as a first point of contact to
more than 120 of Wesley Mission’s programs,
including referrals to local community providers
to best meet the diverse needs of the region.
At Wesley Mission Taree, staff and volunteers
work hand-in-hand. Bringing together all
Wesley Mission’s community services in
Taree under one roof, the centre can support
more people because of dedicated volunteers
like Gayle.
“Anyone who needs help can come in and
speak to a person who will listen. We want to
make sure that each person receives support
and knows their next step. Many people might
have complex needs but taking the first step is
crucial, reinforced by Wesley Mission’s
commitment to walk alongside every person, no
matter how long the journey,” said Mr Garner.
Having already lived a full life serving others as
a foster carer, maths teacher, missionary and
chaplain, now retired, Gayle is still giving back.
With her can-do attitude and willingness to
support, Gayle is committed to helping people
get back on their feet.
Some of the wrapround services available from Wesley Mission Newcastle:
Early Intervention and Placement Prevention
program helped
48
64
young people and
120
of their family members
Wesley Gambling Counselling
supported
89
people
Wesley Seniors Social Hub
provided fun and interaction for
99
older people
“Gayle is so humble and is just as willing to
have a conversation with someone as she is to
do some photocopying or run errands. Her
humility and willingness to serve others in their
times of need is what makes Gayle stand out
as an exceptional volunteer,” Lindsay says,
Wesley Mission Taree Foster Care Client
Coordinator.
Gayle says, “I just like helping people
and having something to do, which is why
I volunteer.”
Volunteer creates therapeutic garden for
Newcastle community
Trevor takes pride in his garden. He’ll invite you to smell
the roses. And to soak in the fresh air and admire his
garden’s beauty, all while enjoying a coffee.
For the last four years, retired gardener Trevor has
voluntarily tended to Wesley Mission Newcastle’s Oasis
Garden. And it’s work he’s continually passionate
about.
“I volunteer because it gives me something to do to still
participate in the community,” says Trevor. “And it’s
good for your soul and a great thing to do instead of
sitting around at home doing nothing. Become a
volunteer. Get more out of life.”
For those who visit Trevor’s botanical haven, they’re
often seeking support from Wesley Mission
Newcastle’s community services – whether education,
training, employment, counselling, mental health
support, foster care, homelessness services and much
more.
Surrounded by a blooming sanctuary, Trevor’s garden
is therapeutic – a place for people to find peace amidst
life’s challenges.
Throughout COVID-19, Trevor has continued to tend to
the Oasis Garden to provide Wesley Mission staff a
tranquil space to rejuvenate, as they continue to
support people most in need.
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