TWO FRASER Coast church initiatives designed to uplift and support vulnerable community members have received a significant boost through Carinity’s Collaborative Community Projects funding program.
The program, which has awarded grants totalling nearly $220,000 to churches across Queensland, aims to address issues of disadvantage, promote social connectivity, and strengthen local neighbourhoods.
Among the beneficiaries are eight churches located in Hervey Bay, Maryborough, Ipswich, Townsville, Moreton Bay, Logan, and the Sunshine Coast.
Central to each of these projects is a commitment to alleviating hardship and fostering a sense of community, especially for those who are most at risk.
Two Fraser Coast churches, in particular, will use the funding to expand their successful COACH mentoring programs, which are designed to offer targeted support to those facing challenges in their lives.
Hervey Bay Baptist Church will use the funds to extend its Youth COACH mentoring program, which operates in four secondary schools across the region, including Carinity Education Glendyne.
The initiative is aimed at students experiencing various difficulties, such as academic struggles, social isolation, or personal trauma.
By connecting these students with mentors, the program seeks to improve their educational outcomes, build resilience, and create a support network to help them overcome obstacles.
The expansion of the COACH programs in Hervey Bay and Maryborough highlights Carinity’s broader mission of supporting local communities and reducing disadvantage.
Carinity’s Collaborative Community Projects fund empowers churches to become key players in tackling social issues and enhancing the wellbeing of their communities, particularly those who are vulnerable or isolated.
Carinity's funding is part of a broader effort to provide long-term, sustainable solutions to the challenges faced by Queensland's most disadvantaged communities, and it reinforces the importance of collaboration between social services, local churches, and community leaders in building stronger, more connected neighbourhoods.
Through these initiatives, both Hervey Bay and Maryborough are set to witness the growth of programs that will provide critical support to young people and families in need, making a tangible difference in the lives of many.
