Sarah's Story

"It feels like it should be August," says our receptionist, Narelle.

Already, just two months into the year, we're seeing the same level of need that we tend to see at the end of a year. Comparing February 2022 with February 2023, we've just reported a 97% increase in the number of food parcels we have given out.

The gravity of our guest’s heartbreaking situations is being felt across our team as we rally to maintain our quality care services in Everton Park and Sandgate each week. Certainly, the current cost of living and the rental crisis is having an impact on the already vulnerable.

"So many of the women we meet are single mums," explained Narelle.

"And, devastatingly, many of them are navigating the trauma of domestic violence while working tirelessly to support their children. One such story is Sarah’s*:

"Sarah*, a beautiful mum came in last week. She was beside herself because an unfortunate turn of events had a catastrophic outcome for her." 

It started with an increase in her rent, which meant that she and her children could no longer afford to live in their accommodation. While searching for a solution, the family couch surfed and began living out of their car.

"She was standing in front of me, sobbing as she tried to put her pain into words,” said Narelle.

As a team and as a local Brisbane Charity, we care deeply.

For Sarah, we were not only able to help with nutritious food but we could extend to provide additional relief through our other programs.

Our Fresh Start Food Parcels are often the first time we meet people like Sarah* and this is why our Supporters are vital.

Because of incredible donors, we continue to meet this increasing demand with dignity and hope for a brighter tomorrow.

*name changed to protect our valued clients.

Workplace English Classes are BACK!

A woman helping another woman practise reading.

Our kids aren’t the only ones heading back to school…

Every term, Nexus Care’s Career Coaching Clinics run Workplace English Classes for those from non-English speaking backgrounds.

These classes are designed to empower participants and help them build their confidence and competence in speaking English. Our goal is to equip them with the language skills they need to find and secure work.

Throughout the year, our classes cover topics including:

  • writing cover letters and resumes

  • learning how or where to look for work

  • preparing for job interviews

  • understanding workplace culture in Australia

  • learning about workplace health and safety

  • making conversation at work

“To see a person’s confidence grow is just astounding,” remarked Sarah Somerville, our Program Coordinator.

“Watching each person engage with the content and enjoy learning with others has been so rewarding. We’ve got a beautiful, diverse group of people who attend our classes and it makes it so culturally rich. It’s a really wonderful space.”

Workplace English Classes are fun AND free, running fortnightly at our Everton Park location during the school term.

To RSVP for the class or to find out more, check out our website or call our Office on 3353 7230 during our opening hours.

2022 in Review

Covid impacts, grocery price hikes, food supply challenges, rental crisis, floods, and while we’re there opening a second location - phew!

2022 was a year of exciting growth and goal-kicking for Nexus Care - and we're so grateful for volunteers, donors, and the amazing, resilient clients who wrote the story with us.

We've crunched our numbers and here's our top four stats from 2022 - check it out:

  1. Helped 1,752 Brissie households

  2. Provided 6,379 moments of support across all of our programs

  3. Distributed 3,997 Fresh Food Parcels

  4. Assisted 343 local households with Financial Emergency Relief

As 2023 really hits it’s stride, we are grateful to establish more into the Sandgate space, to continue delivering the quality care programs we’re known for and do our very best to help each guest find their fresh start.