BaptistCare HopeStreet at Windale is a trusted place offering hope to people living with disadvantage and distress in our local community. Homelessness, addiction, domestic violence and mental illness are some of the issues faced by the people that visit the centre in Windale. HopeStreet work to provide hope for people experiencing great trials, through care and services that address these issues, while also looking to strengthen and support the local community.
New Vine Lakes liaises primarily with BaptistCare Hunter Operations Support Lead, Anne Parker and our activities include Breakfast Church, as well as the men’s and women’s Friday groups.
Very busy! My role at HopeStreet is to be the “glue” in the organisation, coordinating our operations and facilitating the activities of our people. As such, every day is different and brings a new challenge, depending on the needs of the community and our staff. Away from HopeStreet, I enjoy spending time with family and exercising (I love dancing and walking).
Our challenges are ongoing and growing, as it seems that an increasing number of people within our community need and deserve help. A key aspect of the challenge is to prioritise in the face of finite resources, targeting those in most urgent need and identifying opportunities to maximise our positive impact in critical situations.
Our victories largely involve rescuing people in crisis situations. A recent example involved relocating a family facing a domestic violence situation; a second involved helping a single mother with mental health issues, with a broad strategy aimed at keeping the family together and avoiding eviction. Sometimes, we get to see the long-term fruit of our work; an example is “Karen”, a lady who we helped for a number of years, who now is qualifying as a professional case worker for BaptistCare.
Our big change in 2025 is the merger of BaptistCare (NSW, ACT and WA) with BaptCare (VIC, TAS and SA) and Baptist Care SA to form Australia’s third largest non-profit care and service provider, as well as Australia’s second largest aged-care accommodation provider. Accordingly, our internal systems are changing and there is a lot to learn.
One of our guiding scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans that I have for you”, declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future”. The people we help are often very, very low on hope. The assistance we offer ranges from basic provision (food, shelter) through to detailed plans put together by our professional care workers, often connecting people with other service providers and groups that can assist with the overall needs of the person and situation. These partnerships across the community are vital to us and this is why, for example, we cherish our relationship with New Vine Lakes. In all of this, we see ourselves in the “Samaritan” role; we try to help and not to judge.
Last year your support went towards the provision of care items for women and families who were escaping domestic and family violence, as well as re-establishing themselves. These included kitchen essentials, bedding and laundry/linen items, plus fuel and food vouchers. These items were received warmly by the men and women receiving them and the staff members who were able to hand them out on our behalf, encouraging them in their work.
For New Vine Lakes, 2024 saw the continuation of monthly Breakfast Church and the establishment of fortnightly men’s and women’s groups focussed on loving the community by bringing the Good News, as well as serving and empowering people in the community. Our activities compliment the work of HopeStreet, as well as other ministries reaching out to groups in need in Windale (e.g. young mums).
In 2025, new groups starting include a Bible Study Group and a Windale PAR group.