Eight church initiatives designed to assist vulnerable people will be supported by Carinity’s Collaborative Community Projects funding.
Baptist churches in Ipswich, Maryborough, Hervey Bay, Townsville, Moreton Bay, Logan and the Sunshine Coast have been awarded grants collectively totalling almost $220,000.
Central to each project is a commitment to help relieve or mitigate disadvantage, promote connectivity for vulnerable people, or increase the strength of local neighbourhoods.
Lifepoint Church Senior Pastor, Dan Sweetman, said partnering with Carinity would help the church to “create something truly transformational” and “bring gospel hope and practical help to our community”.
The Rothwell-based church will enact a mentoring project called COACH (Creating Opportunities and Casting Hope). The program aims to empower struggling families by fostering resilience and “helping them set and achieve meaningful goals and navigate life’s ups and downs”.
“This initiative is about providing practical support and encouragement to individuals and families in our community who are facing disadvantage and challenges,” Dan said.
“What makes this program so special is its focus on building real, supportive relationships. It’s not just about short-term help but empowering people for long-term change.
“Whether it’s encouraging parents, equipping young people, or supporting those ready to take positive steps forward, this program is a tangible way for us to share God’s love and make a real difference in our region.”
Two churches in the Fraser Coast region will also use Carinity funding to expand their COACH mentoring programs.
Hervey Bay Baptist Church will provide Youth COACH mentoring at four secondary schools in the town, including , to support students who are facing difficulties.
Local families impacted by domestic violence, and families of Maryborough Correctional Centre inmates, can receive mentoring through an expanded COACH program offered by Maryborough Baptist Church.
Beacon Community – A Baptist Church will operate a mentoring pathway for people in youth detention, purpose-designed to span their sentence through to their release and transition back into community.
Expanding on taking meals to the homeless, Kruger Baptist Church’s new on-site weekly community meal seeks to connect those in the community who are struggling, primarily single mothers and marginalised families.
Phase two of LIVE Church’s SPROUT Support Centre project will develop and implement trauma-informed training for ministry teams, to help them provide inclusive, supportive and accepting environments for children with reactive behaviour.
Northern Beaches Connections will partner with an Australian Rules football club and community centre to provide mentoring and changemakers programs, to increase meaningful participation in local enterprises.
Park Ridge Baptist Church’s program aims to provide those facing household challenges with spiritual guidance and connect with community providers at no or lost cost.
