Each week more than 250 people attend the centre operated by MercyCare staff and volunteers.
Members of the community come to the centre for parenting workshops, playgroups, sessions on topics such as financial literacy and other specialist programs or even just to pop in for a chat with a friendly face.
Thanks to funding from MercyCare’s CEO Innovation Fund, the centre is even more inviting and the facilities are a little more comfortable and functional.
The initiative encourages staff across the organisation to think creatively and transform their ideas into solutions that will benefit the MercyCare community.
Warriapendi Child and Parent Centre Coordinator Kirsty Maroney’s successful application resulted in a $3000 grant to refresh the outdoor area at the centre.
Her application focused on the positive impact and outcomes for the families who use the service.
“Our centre is often the first point of contact for many of our families and in being able to provide an informal and safe environment to build rapport and engage in often difficult dialogues, we identify as an essential component in challenging cycles of significant disadvantages and are committed to making a lasting impact for the betterment of future generations,” Kirsty said.
Funding went towards cafe blinds, outdoor furniture and play equipment as well as shelving to better organise items in the centre’s shed.
In addition to making the area more attractive, the items also increased the usability of the space.
The centre often have grandparents and pregnant mothers come along with young children who like to play outside but there had never been any practical seating outside.
With the new seating and the other additions, everyone is able to make the most of the centre’s outdoor area.
