BESIDES celebrating its 120th year, the Parkerville Children and Youth Care Campus is the recipient of the O’Brien Electrical & Plumbing Network annual Taskforce initiative. Education and employment training program coordinator Anna Ellis works with youth from 14 to 17-years-old who have suffered trauma or abuse and are at risk of failing school.
“The work that has been undertaken by O’Brien means the world to staff and our young people, and will make Rosemary Cottage so much of a better place for our young people to come to every day,” she said.
Anna said the children came to Rosemary Cottage for a period of six months where they undertook schooling and education work, and worked with a social worker to develop a career plan, along with assistance with employment, apprenticeships and further TAFE training.
“The children leave with a feeling of hope and get a sense of belonging by feeling valued and loved with a sense of purpose.”
O’Brien director Greg McKean said the project had transformed the current facilities with general maintenance and building repairs, including sustainable lighting solutions and energy saving upgrades to the charity’s main building and reception site Rosemary Cottage, a large multi-roomed building in the centre of the facility.
The campus provides much needed support to children, young people and their families by facilitating out of home care, youth and homelessness services, therapeutic services and child advocacy.
“As part of a community, we really do believe that it is important that we play a role in the sustainability and strength in what it delivers. The campus does an amazing job in supporting vulnerable children, young people and their families who are going through some of the most stressful times of their life,” Mr McKean said.
“We are honoured that, as a team, we can help the staff at Parkerville to continue to provide their specialist services for those in need in a much-improved environment.”
Built in the 1920s, and relying solely on donations and private support, the Parkerville Children and Youth Care Campus is focused on providing care and training for children suffering from abuse on a semi-rural site, consisting of several buildings used for housing, training and support of children and youth.
The accommodation is maintained to ensure a safe environment for children and the project focused on areas that were in various stages of disrepair.