NEW BEGINNING OUTREACH BY FIAM CARE

Everyone deserves a new beginning and for Central Coast locals, this has been made easier thanks to a dedicated group of locals known as FIAM who operate a New Beginnings Outreach service.

FIAM, which stands for Faith in Action Ministries has a dedicated arm called FIAM Care who delivers up to 120 hampers a week of essential items to those in need. These hampers include food, clothing and essential household items. In addition from their base in The Entrance, the organisation runs a new beginnings café and food pantry, that offers a safe place for people to access, when they need it.

“Unfortunately, the Central Coast has a high proportion of vulnerable people who need to make a fresh start. Be it a consequence of domestic violence, drug abuse or falling on hard times from loss of a job, our new beginnings outreach service addresses a critical and ongoing community challenge,” explained FIAM’s Abraham Akkary.

The New Beginnings service extends across Berkeley Vale, Tumbi Umbi, Bateau Bay, Glenning Valley, Shelley Beach, Wyong, The Entrance, Long Jetty and Killarney Vale.

Thanks to a $15,000 grant from Halekulani Bowling Club, FIAM have been able to support even more vulnerable people in our community.

“We network with Central Coast businesses including Mars Foods, SecondBite, Not Just Cakes, Brown Sugar Bakery and Good360 in Sydney to support disadvantaged and struggling families by providing between 100 and 120 hampers, clothing and other essential items through our fortnightly Free Food Pantry and charity clothing boutique.

“Thanks to this grant from Mounties Group we have been able to support more families and locals who are disadvantaged and train more volunteers to assist with this service,” added Abraham.

Social issues such as unemployment, homelessness, lack of affordable housing, poverty and domestic violence have significant impact on many residents within the Central Coast community. FIAM are assisting to bridge this gap with access to essential items for families and individuals who need it most.

“We have seen a huge increase in those who rely on our service in the last year, only made worse with the increase in cost of living and pressures after the last few years of the COVID-19 pandemic,” he added.

“Sadly, many of those who access our service are escaping domestic violence circumstances and having a safe and positive environment to access critical items brings some normality to their lives and a hope for the future,” concluded Abraham.

The 2022 ClubGRANTS from Halekulani Bowling Club also assisted FIAM to purchase much needed equipment for its headquarters including a two air conditioners and computer.