The Newcastle Jets hosted local welfare organisation, Wesley Mission at last Friday’s home game against Melbourne Heart.
During the Newcastle Jets- victorious game against the Melbourne Heart in Round 21, the club hosted local welfare organisation, Wesley Mission.
The Wesley Mission StreetSmart van was parked outside Hunter Stadium to promote youth outreach and support services, and Wesley Mission supporters, clients and volunteers were hosted in the Jets charity box.
Wesley Mission has been a significant part of the Newcastle and Hunter community for many years, providing a range of community and counselling services to approximately 10,000 people annually.
Helping the homeless is a major part of the Mission-s work, with more than 4000 people visiting the Oasis Drop-In Centre or the McKenzie Centre, in central Newcastle, to use the showers and laundry, eat breakfast, and receive Emergency Relief or Outreach support.
Wesley Mission-s Senior Coordinator of Newcastle Accommodation, Youth and Welfare Services, Peter Di Girolamo, participated in an on-field Q and A session to discuss the importance of the services they provide.
“Our Oasis centre helps on average 40 people a day, most of whom are homeless. We often hear horrific stories of young people sleeping on trains, in cars, and on the lounge room floor. For many people, the Oasis Centre is their last hope. Without a home, people struggle to find work, or live adequately. It’s a basic essential need for everyone. We welcome anyone, and our staff members are on hand to refer to other services such as welfare support, counselling, youth support and Centrelink. The Oasis centre is the only place in Newcastle where a person can take a hot shower, use the laundry and eat breakfast four mornings a week in the centre of the city. The Oasis is located at 16 Wood St Newcastle West, and open Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday & Friday 9am-11am”
“Without the commitment and generosity of our volunteers we would not be able to support to our expanding client base. What we need more is men and women committed to making a difference. It’s about having a caring heart towards others. Every person matters.”
“On behalf of the Accommodation, Youth, Welfare, Counseling and Vocational Training Services I would like to thank the Newcastle Jets and Hunter Sports Group for giving Wesley Mission the opportunity to share the game on Friday 15th February.“
To highlight some the critical and diverse needs in our area, here is the story of a recent Wesley Mission client:
A male aged forty was brought to a Wesley Mission centre by a staff member from family services. The worker had been trying to get the client to come in for assistance with bills for about twelve months but he was of the opinion that there were people more in need than himself. He explained that he has four children, one who was starting high school in 2013 and another who was staring kindergarten. He stated that he has a lovely wife at home who is experiencing mental health issues and is unable to leave the house. He also said that he had unfortunately had his licence revoked because he has bowel cancer. He is unable to have chemotherapy because he cannot afford to be sick and out of action as he required to care for their children, take them to school etc. We were able to assist with EAPA vouchers (for bill payments), food vouchers and toys from the Christmas Warehouse. He was so relieved that he started to cry and he stated, “Thankyou for your assistance, you have given me hope and that is something I have not had for some time.”
If you would like to learn more about Wesley Mission-s invaluable service and support programs, volunteer your time or donate to this worthy cause, please visit www.wesleymission.org.au/donate or call 4914 3600. A donation of only $5 would help to feed one person for 4 days.
