ONE year after the official opening of Hope House, the innovative Salvation Army project is a hub of community activity with programs for adults, youth and families in place and working well.
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Hope House administrator Major Joy Wilson was guest speaker at the Gunnedah Evening VIEW Club’s dinner meeting this week.
Joy said her own struggles raising a family alone after a violent marriage gave her a great deal of empathy for people living in similar situations and after four years in the ministry at Gunnedah, she felt the need to become involved at a social level.
“I went into Homes North and asked if there was a house available and I was given this neglected and vandalised building in Hopedale Avenue, which had been boarded up for security,” Joy said.
“It took more than two years of hard work and voluntary labour to bring it up to scratch but now it is a warm, welcoming place where people can drop in and feel comfortable.”
Using a powerpoint presentation to show before and after photographs of the renovation, Joy explained how bedrooms had been converted into office space and private interview rooms, with a wall removed to create a large community area with colourful toys for children.
Hope House is also a safe place for estranged parents to visit their children under DOCs supervision instead of travelling to Tamworth.
Joy said many people referred to Hope House by the courts are dealing with suppressed anger from childhood abuse and the Salvation Army Heal for Life program has helped them get back on track.
“We also run positive lifestyle programs and Little Penguins playgroup for families and offer financial counselling as well as help for people affected by drugs and alcohol,” Joy said.
“No interest loans (NILS) up to $1500 for those on low incomes are available to help people with emergencies such as vehicle repairs, medical and dental procedures or educational purposes.”
The next project on Joy’s “wish list” is a community garden on the block next door to Hope House, where people can learn to grow vegetables and create inexpensive and healthy meals, with budget cooking.
On Easter Sunday more than 70 people gathered at Hope House for a barbecue in the now manicured grounds, with a large group also getting together at Christmas.
“We hold a barbecue once a month where people can mingle and next month we have a guest speaker who has written a book about her recovery from drug and alcohol addiction,” Joy said.
Titled, From Here To There, and written by Linda Woodbridge, the book explores the impact her self abuse had on family and friends and her life.
Linda’s story lets people know that freedom is achievable, a freedom she achieved after falling into a dark place where her soul finally cried out “this is not you” and she began the agonising process of healing.
Joy said her work at Hope House is both challenging and rewarding but people continue to inspire her every day.
Gunnedah will host the VIEW Clubs of Australia zone meeting at Gunnedah Services and Bowling Club, on Saturday, May 18. The theme will embrace The Year of the Snake and members are asked to wear a “touch of emerald green”.
Anyone wishing to attend the National Conference at Jupiter’s Hotel and Casino, at Broadbeach,on September 14-15, will have to arrange their own accommodation and transport as a bus will not be going from the region.
The Evening VIEW Club’s next meeting, on Wednesday, May 1, will be a Mother’s Day celebration, with members invited to bring a friend or relative and advise Lorraine Overton on 6742 3239 for catering.
Competition: Karyn Bond. Lucky door: Marie Hobson.
The guest speaker will be Heather Welch, from GS Kidd School.