Children Outreach
Children Outreach on the Streets
Mission statement: Our mission is to give without asking anything in return. There is no preaching or judgements, only the hand of friendship given freely. It is a service where kids can be evaluated for their immediate and long term needs. It addresses many problems and directs kids to where the help is available. We aim to provide safety, love and peace.
Why: We believe there to be up to 10,000 homeless children and children that choose to be on the streets on the Central Coast alone. According to ABS & ACAP counting the homeless in 2001, 10% of homeless are under 12 years old and 26% are aged 12 to 18 years old. Some are as young as 9 years old. They have widely different needs and issues and we will seek to address these needs.
What: We will put counsellors & mentors on the streets and try to reach these children. We aim to provide mentors that will help children work through their issues and explore options that may help them make positive, healthy life choices. We will go onto the streets each week endeavouring to connect with children who have needs. Specific aims include: *Drug & Alcohol rehab, *Help children get on the right track to obtain educational certificates (School or Higher School) *Help children track down their previous school records *Help children find the right school for them and liaise with schools on their behalf. Help children fit back into society and the family environment, at times help with accommodation, and show them that they are worthy. We will work with community members and agencies to ensure children have the most recent information on area clinics, shelter, food, and other basic services. We will develop support from sponsors that are of a continuing nature. We provide support kits with some basic food and hygiene items.
How: We utilise Volunteers, support teams, consultants (skilled professionals to provide service.) , mentors, street counsellors, trainers, child development programs, meal preparers, program supporters. We will enlist local businesses and our community to assist as they may be able.
We are endeavouring to acquire a cottage for short term (2-3 weeks) accomodation to get kids off the streets and placed in family friendly homes with love and emotional support.
Desired outcome: We are endeavouring to see children leave the street and connect with families, if this is safe and positive, or connect with society in ways that will facilitate a healthy life.
