To celebrate 25 years in the community The Family Centre is inviting anyone who has participated in one of their programs or had some involvement with them since they began in 1988 to share their story about how working with The Family Centre has inspired change in their life.
Founded in 1988 by a small group of Tweed people who cared about their community and wanted to help vulnerable and disadvantaged children, young people and families. They established a small organisation in Angela St Tweed Heads called the Tweed Valley Child Youth and Family Services.
‘This project is about honouring the stories of the people we have worked alongside over the past 25 years. We have already received some truly inspirational stories describing how working with The Family Centre team helped them to find the inner strength and resources to overcome adversity”.
I’m sure these stories will inspire others take the first steps to make the positive changes they want in their lives. Everyone who submits their story goes into the draw to win an Apple iPad’. said David Bouktan, Executive Director of The Family Centre
‘Since 1988 the population of Tweed Shire has doubled in size and we’ve seen a lot of change, but our values and mission are true to our founders. We remain committed to the safety and wellbeing of children, young people and family’s ¬and supporting the most vulnerable and disadvantaged in our community. Each year we work with more than 3000 children, young people and families in our family and youth support services, parenting and relationship courses and innovative schools programs. The Family Centre has grown with our community we now deliver services to Tweed Heads, Byron and Ballina Shires as well as Southern Gold Coast residents’. said David
Ngaire’s Inspiring Story
In April 2008 Ngaire had a new baby and a 2 1/2 year old daughter. She was struggling to get both of them to settle and was worried about her toddler’s behaviour. Ngaire called The Family Centre’s and enrolled in the Triple P Parenting Course - the course gave Ngaire the skills to deal positively and consistently with her child’s problem behavior to create a more harmonious family environment. ‘These are skills I still use today’. said Ngaire.

In October 2008, Ngaire’s husband was diagnosed with a rare cancer. The family’s world was turned upside down.

Four years later Ngaire’s daughter now 6 wasn’t sleeping – desperate rest and to get her daughter into a healthy sleep pattern and with a very ill husband she rang The Family Centre and asked about counseling for the whole family. “I was assigned a Family Support Worker – Julie, she was amazing. She helped me organise Northern Rivers In Home Care which allowed my husband and myself to have time to attend treatment and discuss options, as well as providing household support and a constant ‘other’ adult in my children's lives”. said Ngaire.

“Julie also liaised with Palliative Care at the hospital and did a lot of calls asking for assistance for us, from places I had not even thought of. She was so helpful and understanding”. added Ngaire

“My husband has passed away and my family has been travelling okay. But I know the Family Centre is there at any time should we need it - it is a huge fallback position. The Family Centre supported my family through some very difficult times.” said Ngaire
If you have a story big or small that may help to inspire others - be part of Real People, Real Stories go to www.thefamilycentre.org.au or call (07) 5524 8711.

For further information contact David Boutkan – 0755248711 or 0409786340