Each year brings changes and over the last few months we have seen one mentor go and two more come. Josie, who has been with us for many years as a part time mentor, has recently taken the opportunity to go back full time to her nursing career. Josie has always shown an energetic, encouraging and friendly personality and been passionate about the mentoring taking place on the farm. She has willingly shared her expertise and been a fabulous mentor working with our young girls, improving their self-confidence and giving them skills to achieve more with their lives. We have appreciated everything that Josie has done for us and the young people and wish her all the best with her future plans.

Earlier this year, Mark joined our team as a part time mentor. Mark was not only trained and experienced in working with Youth but also owns and manages his own small farm and has building experience. As it is not always easy to find that combination, it has been a delight to welcome Mark with his established farming skills and his passion for mentoring. Mark has been able to easily integrate into our programs and the farm work and become a valued member of our team.

Chloe also comes to us with a background in farming and youth work and has taken over the mentoring of our young girls. With her knowledge of animals and also art therapy, she has been an asset from the start and quickly able to connect with the young people. We are now able to offer more places for young females which is great as they all love the animals and our peaceful rural setting which is so different from other learning environments. Chloe is able to use this natural setting to its full ability with her knowledge and skills.

It was a pleasure to get together over lunch with staff, volunteers and board members to farewell Josie and welcome Mark and Chloe. We take this time to thank all involved. Our last year have been particularly stressful and joining together over a meal showed us how much we rely on each other to keep going and provide the benefit of the farm to vulnerable youth.