Launceston’s newest youth facility has just launched in St Leonards. Following the purchase in August 2019 of what was known as Avalon, 9 Killafaddy Road, Launceston City Mission developed a plan to create a home for services to children, young people and families.
“We had a vision for The Ark to become this safe place for children and youth, because all kids deserve that. The Ark in the history of the Bible was a safe place, a safe haven,” said City Mission CEO, Stephen Brown, “And the dream is coming to fruition.”
Unique in its design, The Ark is a large building with the room to cater for the masses. Since mid-July the Ark has accommodated City Mission programs for children, youth and adults; Inside Out for Kids, teaching emotional literacy to primary school students; The Mish, supporting teenagers emerging to adulthood, and Mission 2 a Future, supporting people to build pathways to education and employment, mentoring them to have the confidence to achieve their goals. It will also house City Mission’s Community Development team who support people in neighbouring communities.
“A lot of the issues we see in later life in people come down to stories about what happened between the ages of 0 to 12. I think once they have safety, they can heal and grow, and that’s really what we’re hoping to help them with,” said Mr Brown.
The Ark represents a bigger, more holistic approach to supporting young people all the way from children to adulthood and those critical evolution points in the middle years.
The Ark Youth and Community Centre opened on Wednesday 26th July 2023.
“This Launceston City Mission Arts Centre is a testament to your commitment to support every child, regardless of background or circumstance. So, I now have the greatest pleasure to declare this Launceston City Mission, Art, Youth and Community Centre officially open.” Announced Her Excellency the Honourable Barbara Baker AC, Governor of Tasmania
The ARK is the culmination of concerted effort, collaboration, and a shared vision to uplift our community. The aim is to provide a safe refuge for healing and restoration while creating opportunities for learning, development, and transformation.
“The Ark will be a long-term asset for the people of this community as we work with children, young people and parents. We’re looking forward to the future with a flexibility, and the safe spaces, to respond to what the community needs.” said Stephen Brown.
This article was originally published in the Tamar Valley News.
