Idyllic ‘Berry Fields Farm’ on the Central Coast of New South Wales is a place abundant in strawberries, peaches and cherries. But they’re not the only things that grow – young people in foster care thrive here too, as part of a collaboration between Wesley Mission and foster parents, Jules* and Dave*.
“We needed a sea-change, so we left Sydney for the coast,” says Dave. “We ended up moving to a large property, so we could consider fostering several young people at one time.”
Partnering with our Wesley KickStart program, the 20-acre Berry Fields Farm is the perfect place to help young people develop practical life skills.
“We’re just mum and dad to them. It’s not easy being young. We want to help young kids in crisis develop those important life skills they need to set up their future. That starts with a firm foundation at home,”Jules says.
Wesley KickStart is an innovative program supporting young people to transition from foster care to independence at their own pace.
Supported by Wesley Dalmar Foster Care case managers, foster parents care for up to four young people at a time, as they gain confidence, develop living skills and look for employment opportunities or further study. Young people are then able to move to live independently on the same property to continue to work on their living skills while still remaining close to the foster carers.
Passionate about supporting young people who’ve experienced a foster placement breakdown, Jules says becoming foster carers is the best decision she and Dave have ever made.
“Together we’ve travelled to many places and pursued successful careers, but we both agree that being foster parents is the best thing we’ve ever done,” Jules says. “It’s so rewarding. That’s why I would encourage more people to do it.”
*Names and details have changed to protect privacy.
