A partnership between a Carinity Education school and a Brisbane church is strengthening students' "sense of belonging".
Last month the Neighbours van, a community outreach of Gateway Baptist Church, commenced monthly visits to Carinity Education Southside in Sunnybank.
Supported by Carinity's Collaborative Community Projects, the Neighbours program was established in 2022 to "relieve and mitigate disadvantage" and "demonstrate God's extravagant grace and generosity" to people who are facing difficulty.
Church volunteers do this by giving away free clothing and groceries to those who require it.
Gateway Care Ministries Pastor, Karyn Frylink, said Carinity Education Southside - and the adjoining Search Light early learning centre - is the fourth location the Neighbour van has serviced.
"Over the past three years Neighbours has helped hundreds of local families and individuals in Logan Central, Crestmead, and Macleay Island," Karyn said.
"We've worked towards relieving and mitigating disadvantage, promoting connectivity for vulnerable people, and fostering greater resilience and support for success in their life."
Carinity Education Southside, which gives vulnerable young women a genuine chance at education, complements the church's desire to "share the love and hope of Jesus with our neighbours through personal connection and practical support".
"We are excited to take the Neighbours ministry to this school community to not only provide practical care such as food and clothing, a listening ear and friendship over morning tea, but the opportunity to partner with Carinity Education and Search Light," Karyn said.
"They inspire each young woman and their families to see themselves as gifts from God, with their own hopes, dreams and aspirations that can be attained, despite their adversity."
Carinity Education Southside Principal, Leann Faint, said the school's partnership with Gateway Baptist Church "feels like the missing link between Southside and our wider community".
"It's not only current students and their families who are engaging with this support; former students and families are also returning, drawn by the sense of belonging and care they find here," Leann said.
"There are many vulnerable people in our community who are in deep need of love, compassion, and connection.
"The Neighbours team offers a listening ear, friendship, and dignity to some of our most marginalised families, and we are so thankful for their presence and partnership."
