Doors open at The Family Place
Colouring in at the opening of The Salvation Army’s ‘The Family Place’ community centre in the Brisbane suburb of Slacks Creek. (Photo supplied by Holly Rynsent)
Several hundred people gathered to celebrate the official opening of Communities for Children ‘Family Place’ at The Salvation Army’s Life Community Mission, Slacks Creek, on Friday 8 March.
Children and families enjoyed activities from a jumping castle, clowns, and face painting, to music, crafts and a huge cardboard castle with tunnels. The event also showcased the wonderful Communities for Children programs and activities at the mission, while staff and volunteers gave information and support on the day.
Located at the Slack’s Creek mission just south of Brisbane, the new community centre is a place designed to nourish children and strengthen families. It’s a place where families can have fun, make new friends, seek support, learn about child development, increase parenting skills, and more.
“The Family Place is an expression of The Salvation Army that connects us with the community, and serves and strengthens the local community,” said Lieutenant Ashley Barkmeyer, Corps Officer, Life Community Mission, Slacks Creek.
“This is a place of connection for families who may be isolated in the community, vulnerable or disadvantaged,” said Charmaine Stubbs, Family Empowerment Team Coordinator. “But most importantly, it’s open to anyone who would like to come”.
A mother and children read books at The Family Place – a new Salvation Army community centre in the Brisbane suburb of Slacks Creek. (Photo: Simone Worthing)
The Life Community Mission at Slack’s Creek has grown from four to 13 staff since receiving funding through the Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs in June 2005. The team includes a variety of specialists and a program development team, all employed by The Salvation Army and working under its mission and values.
The successful Community for Children program has been running at the mission for seven years. The program operates with the support of eight community partners and receives federal government funding.
Open from Mondays to Saturdays, the program caters for families with children aged from infants to 12 years old. Activities include playgroups, a family drop-in space, parenting programs, classes for cooking nutritious food on a budget, infant massage, child health, a Connect Café and homework help.
“I’ve been coming to these programs for two-and-a-half years, and this is a great place to be,” said Erinne, who attended The Family Centre opening with two of her three children. “It’s got a lovely atmosphere, there is so much support and assistance and my kids want to be here.”
Comments
Keep up the great work you are doing and God bless you all as you carry out what is clearly His will!