A message from our CEO Justin Lorenz
As Mercy Community bids farewell to some of its Families and Young People services, it is time to reflect on the profound impact these programs have had on the lives of countless children and families.
While the decision to transition out of Foster and Kinship Care services and Residential Care and Transition services brings mixed emotions, we want to acknowledge the legacy they leave behind and the enduring contributions they’ve made to the Queensland community.
Through our Foster and Kinship Care programs, countless carer families have opened their hearts and homes to children in need, offering them a sense of belonging and security during challenging times. These dedicated individuals have provided not only shelter and basic necessities but also love, guidance, and emotional support to help children thrive and reach their full potential.
In addition, our Residential Care and Transition services have been a crucial lifeline for children and young people in need of refuge and support. Over the years, these services have provided a sheltered and caring space where children facing adversity could heal, grow, and rediscover their resilience.
Indeed, there are so many success stories and positive outcomes to look back on. From children finding forever families and foster carers forming lifelong bonds with their foster children to the staff and volunteers who have worked tirelessly to support young people in residential care.
Who could forget the heartwarming narratives of siblings as they journeyed from residential care to reunification with their families, the story of Leo, who returned to school thanks to our dedication to providing holistic support and tailored interventions, and of course the remarkable dedication of Australia’s longest-serving foster carer who has opened her home and her heart to hundreds of children over more than six decades.
Stories like these are testament to the enduring spirit of compassion and selflessness that defines our organisation’s ethos, and I have no doubt that the impact of these services will continue to resonate for years to come.
We would like to express our deepest gratitude to everyone who has been a part of Mercy Community’s history and to those who continue their dedication to serve within Mercy Community today. Our foster carers, volunteers, stakeholders, residents, clients and our employees have made a profound difference in the lives of hundreds of individuals, leaving an indelible mark on our hearts and in our community. The legacy of love and support for children and young people will forever remain in our memories and in the lives they have touched.
Of course, while the decision to transition out of these services marks the end of an era, it also signals a new chapter in Mercy Community’s journey of service and impact. Mercy Community will continue to provide a wide range of programs and initiatives across Queensland into the future in service to communities and people in need. We are excited about the next stage in our journey.
