Vulnerable families across Dubbo, Wellington and Narromine who have been struggling due to COVID-19 have been provided care packages thanks to a joint operation.
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The Police Citizen Youth Clubs NSW received a $33,000 community recovery grant from the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation to be shared between six centres across regional NSW including PCYC Dubbo.
The one-to-one delivery program will give PCYC staff a key opportunity to connect once again with young, at-risk members of the wider community.
A total of 40 care packages will be sent out to the vulnerable families across the region, with the first lot delivered last week. Items in the hampers include general grocery items such as non-perishable food and cleaning items.
During this challenging time, PCYC Dubbo has witnessed its most vulnerable and at-risk youth becoming further disengaged and increasingly vulnerable to becoming both victims and perpetrators of crime and anti-social behaviour.
PCYC Dubbo Club Manager, Emily Ross said they work with many vulnerable children and families affected by COVID-19, so it was nice to know the packages would be supporting them.
"The work we do at the Club and partnership with the police is key (to continue supporting families), there are many programs on offer that cater to all families," she said.
Ms Ross thanked the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for the grant.
"It's incredible to see they've been able to select six PCYC Clubs across NSW and to know six communities have got that extra helping hand." she said.
Ms Ross also gave a special mention and thanks to South Dubbo IGA who helped them with the orders and supplies.
"The whole idea was to shop local and support local," she added.
One of the PCYC Dubbo participants from the Fit to Learn Rise Up Strategy program also helped pack the hampers.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation acting chair, Jennifer Leslie said community-led recovery initiatives were critical to helping local people reconnect with support services.
"PCYC NSW is an iconic part of the social fabric in regional communities so it is important that we continue to support practical and resourceful programs like this that help prevent further marginalisation of people as we endure months of uncertainty," she said.
"During this time it's crucial that we look after one and other and prevent anyone falling through the cracks, which is exactly what this program is set to achieve."
Taylor Jurd
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
Hi, my name is Taylor Jurd. I am a journalist with Australian Community Media, I write for the Western Magazine and Wellington Times.
