It’s been five years since Wesley Mission first opened its doors in Coffs Harbour. And what a journey it’s been.
Starting with youth accommodation services, across five years Wesley Mission has expanded in Coffs Harbour to offer Wesley ParentsNext, a program which supports parents with employment goals and foster care services through Wesley Dalmar.
A local to the area, Wesley Youth Accommodation Program Manager, Meena has played an important role in Wesley Mission’s growth in Coffs Harbour and the Mid North Coast region.
“Coffs Harbour is seen as a big hub for community services, so it makes sense that we have a bigger office and bigger presence here,” said Meena. “I just love seeing the blue doves popping up. I just feel proud when I see it.”
Based out of Coffs Harbour, Meena’s youth accommodation work expands to Bellingen and Nambucca Valley. Being a local has provided Meena opportunities to build trust within these communities.
“The first year was very challenging but because I had 20 years working the local community sector, a lot of people knew exactly who I was,” explained Meena. “Five years down the track we have a lot of respect.”
In August 2018 Wesley Mission expanded in the Mid North Coast region by bringing together key community services under one roof in Bowraville: Wesley Youth Accommodation and Wesley ParentsNext.
“Youth homelessness was really high up there and we really needed an office in Bowraville to show the community that we are here to stay,” explained Meena.
By joining services together, we can support all the needs of people who walk through our doors.
“In regional areas, services are minimal, and we don’t have many resources here, so it makes sense to work together,” said Meena.