In the Company Of Angels

In the Company of Angels

Koch Centre - Youth Off the Streets

Remember these faces for they are changing the world and making it a better place, one step at a time!

It is that time again when epic light displays take centre stage to colour up the firmaments; where majestic fireworks illuminate the skies, sending echo’s throughout the land; where decorations and Christmas ornaments adorn the world; where the sensational aroma’s of roast ham or turkey, cakes, cookies and sweets of every kind arouse the senses; where the melodic soulful sound of carols are ringing as a subtle reminder that Christmas time is near. It is that moment when the world celebrate the festivities of the most celebrated event across the globe in their own unique and special way. And as this time of year holds great significance to many who embrace tradition and custom as do those who embrace a more modern approach, the spirit of oneness and true purpose of Christmas remain unchanged.

So twas in most recent times that I found myself in the company of angels enjoying the pre-Christmas festivities and enjoying the community spirit of oneness. As charity and service is quite common throughout the land during this particular season, Koch Community Centre - Youth Off the Streets CIA (community in action) certainly left an imprint noteworthy. Truly remarkable indeed to observe the unity of this family orientated team and their outstanding effort’s to provide a service and fulfil a need.

Three weeks before that Christmas time of year, staff, student trainees and community volunteers rally together to host a free Christmas party for the wider community, which is then followed by a Christmas dinner and the offering of Christmas presents to every child in attendance and then concluded with a Christmas dinner, all under the Leadership of Manager centre for Youth and Learning Director Ngapera Paki whose efforts cannot go unmentioned. Koch Christmas party, present and dinner events occur within a three week time slot pre Christmas day and since its humble beginnings have seen this event grow into something bigger, greater and far more grander than imagined. It will continue to grow through time. This family fun filled event is jam packed with cool games and various activities facilitated by staff and volunteers both inside and outside the centre, numerous giveaway prizes, corndogs, hotdogs, nuggets and unlimited beverages for all, popcorn, candy and entertainment to compliment the evenings festivities. Such a wonderful, humbling experience to be a part of. There wasn’t a frown in sight! The pre-requisites for the evenings festivities was but one’s attendance! And that is like next level coolness!

So, Who or what is Koch? Koch centre is a community driven incentive named after patrons Dave and Libby Koch whom contributed of their own personal finances to build the centre, under the Direction of Father Chris Riley AM, Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Youth Off The Streets. The organisation has grown from a single food van delivering meals to the homeless, to a youth specific agency providing a range of services which include, Youth programs/ Centre for youth, After school and outreach programs, mums and bubs programs, crisis accommodation, independent schooling and academic services, paid training and accredited courses, residential treatment programs, Aboriginal Programs, early intervention and prevention programs through outreach services.

Furthermore, Director for Youth and Learning, Ngapera has also developed a number of youth programs and initiatives and secured relationships with various community groups such as shining stars, rapid relief, One meal, One Community, Tina’s food service, all the whilst implementing a cultural element to drive her incentives. “The focus is to help youth develop skill sets and provide them with the essential tools to help themselves, so that skill set will naturally flow through to the family unit”. Both youth and family are able to access and receive support through the services provided.

The philosophical underpinning of Koch services in essence focuses on outcomes, community and sustainability by bridging the gap, strengthening relationships, helping disconnected young people discover the greatness within by engaging, supporting and providing opportunities to encourage and facilitate positive life choices.

Father Riley believes that there is no such thing as a “bad child; just a bad situation that impact negatively on our young’.

Without the charity and services of such organisations as Koch, Christmas day, would truly be ‘just another day’ for some as there are in fact many who will still go without.

On a positive note however, Upcoming projects for Koch Youth centre include a Cultural Exchange program to NZ for Youth in the upcoming 2019 year, and sponsorship for individual or groups are currently being sought after. Your sponsorship would be appreciated.

If you feel that you are able to contribute towards Koch Youth Cultural Exchange program, please feel free to contact Ngapera Paki on (02) 8796 - 6700, or better still, if you have the time to do so, drop in for a visit at 86 Parliament Rd, Macquarie Fields, NSW, 2564, otherwise you are able to email Ngapera Paki at ngaperap@youthoffthestreets.com.au to express an interest.

I for one am proud to promote and support Koch Youth centre in any given capacity and look forward to sharing next years festivities with you. Lets continue to “Change the world, One step at a time” in our own unique and special way! Merry Christmas world <3