Aunties and Uncles program joins the Wesley Mission family
2 August, 2010
The future of a NSW community service which offers crucial support to vulnerable and at risk children has been assured.
Aunties and Uncles which has assisted thousands of children since it began more than 35 years ago approached Wesley Mission earlier this year to take over its operations after financial pressures placed the service at risk of closure.
After months of productive negotiations Wesley Mission began the transition to full management of the service on 1 July.
Aunties and Uncles provides children with an extended family pairing them with a volunteer ‘aunt’ or ‘uncle’, who provide stability as well as ongoing support and mentoring.
“Wesley Mission has warmly embraced the Aunties and Uncles program,” said the CEO of Wesley Mission the Rev Dr Keith Garner. “Its movement into Wesley Mission will ensure that Aunties and Uncles continues to build a better life for children at risk in NSW.
“Wesley Mission has an enduring record of care for the most disadvantaged and vulnerable dating back to 1812. Aunties and Uncles is an excellent fit within the Wesley Mission family.”
Aunties and Uncles will operate within Wesley Mission’s Dalmar service group which has a long history of recruiting, training and supporting foster carers who provide homes for children and young people who cannot live with their families.
“We are delighted that Wesley Mission has chosen to help maintain the Aunties and Uncles program with no significant changes to its purpose and focus,” said Patricia Gilchrist, Chair of the Aunties and Uncles Board.
“Our current staff will maintain the same and possibly greater contact with our children, parents and volunteer aunties and uncles.”
Currently the Aunties and Uncles program receives funding of $197,129 a year from the NSW Department of Community Services. A one-off funding boost of $140,000 from the Department will help the service in the short-term but an extra $250,000 will need to be sourced each year to maintain current service levels to more than 160 vulnerable children.
Media contact
Graeme Cole
Public Affairs Manager
Wesley Mission 0408 470 722
