Category: COACH

We are excited to announce that Crossway LifeCare has entered into a partnership with Mission Australia to lead, administer and deliver the COACH program. We look forward to Mission Australia’s continued partnership and support.

Toby Baxter, one of the original co-founders of the COACH program, will lead the ongoing expansion, development and implementation of the program at Crossway LifeCare. This development has seen the license change from Mission Australia to Crossway LifeCare. Crossway LifeCare looks forward to Mission Australia’s continued support as more churches are mobilised and more families are supported through the COACH program.

There are currently:
•      21 churches who have seen incredible stories of transformation through COACH,
•      with 512 approved mentors
•      supporting 490 families,
•      889 children,
•      and 44 young people!

LifeCare is now ready to expand COACH across the nation to bring transformation to multiple communities with the goal of..
•      planting COACH in 150 churches,
•      with an expected 2,250 mentors
•      supporting 3,000 families,
•      6,000 children,
•      and 225 young people
…by the end of 2020!

Not only does COACH have a proven track record of breaking the cycle of generational poverty and family breakdown, but COACH provides an opportunity to experience positive relationships and a message of hope.

Posted in COACH

“A year ago, I was in a dark place, penniless with 12 court appearances for custody of my nine year old daughter. Someone introduced me to LifeCare and my life has changed since! I first started receiving practical help and then sought financial assistance through the B-Empowered program. “

“My life today is a far cry from where I was then. I was also put through the COACH program which has been the most beneficial service for me.  Through Coach Coordinator Paul, I was introduced to Danny, my Coach Mentor who has been pivotal to where I am today in my horticultural business.” From the desperate battle of trying to put food on the table nine months ago to a currently flourishing business that earns a net profit, this has been a miracle in itself for Garry.

“Danny and I were like “chalk and cheese”, chuckles Garry. “We have our moments, but he was the one that gives me those light bulb moments. The biggest was to pursue my passion to start my own horticultural business”. Garry is becoming extremely proficient bonsai cultivation and finds his work very therapeutic.

Garry’s daughter, nine year old daughter Emelia has also greatly benefited from LifeCare’s Counselling and COACH programs. “Emelia has fostered healthy friendships through the B-Together community dinners and enjoys being with her COACH mentor, Amal”, says an appreciative dad. “Emelia simply dotes on Amal and they have developed a special and positive “mother and daughter bond”.

“My goal is to give Emelia a holiday in Fiji at Christmas this year. A Christmas she deserves!”

Garry is now in a good place and has the ability to live independently and lead a healthy life. He is a regular face at Crossway LifeCare as he enjoys the friendship he had built with his Coaches and friends at Crossway. A very grateful Garry has expressed his desire to “give back” to Crossway LifeCare by helping out in any our current or future programs.

YOU can make a difference in helping people like Garry by financially supporting our COACH (Community Mentoring) program. Click here to learn more.

Posted in COACH

When Felix and Maria first approached LifeCare, their family was experiencing pain and disappointment. They had already separated twice, and had kept changing careers and moving cities in attempts to start over. The couple was clearly desperate to save their marriage. But first they had to deal with other long term issues – childhood abuse, rejection, fear, loneliness, sexual addictions, violence, anger, control, manipulation and neglect.

Their LifeCare counsellor created a holistic ‘community’ of psychologists, coaches and supporters to journey with the couple through some of their toughest days and memories. At first, Felix and Maria met with separate counsellors to focus on their individual circumstances. After only a month, they were ready to take the next step – to see a counsellor together. While their discussions brought up difficult issues and old wounds, the couple felt encouraged and empowered by their LifeCare supports.

“The support we needed to save our family, and our marriage.” 

When Felix lost his job, LifeCare’s financial counsellor helped him to determine the family budget and ensure they could manage in the short and medium term.

The couple said their time at LifeCare was full of insight, breakthrough and opportunities to go deeper than they ever had the opportunity to go. The counsellors helped them through decades of emotion and pain, to the stage where they have fallen in love again. They believe they have greater hope for change and life in abundance – which they hope every couple can achieve.

To help others like Felix and Maria, you can support our COACH (Community Mentoring) programme by your giving here.

Posted in COACH

University student and LifeCare volunteer, Lachie is utilising his spare time to mentor not one but three young people through LifeCare’s COACH mentoring program.

“I’d had a stirring in my heart to be out in the community, working with people who were doing life tough,” he said. “When Crossway church asked for COACH volunteer mentors, it was an obvious opportunity. At age 23, I have few commitments so I can invest time in volunteering and directly impact the lives of others.”

Although Lachie is studying at university, contributes to Crossway’s Kidzone ministry and works as an integration aide at a local primary school, he still finds the time to meet regularly with three young coachees. By reaching out to young people before age 14, family support services such as LifeCare have maximum opportunity to positively influence their lives.

“If this is the time in my life when I have the freedom to contribute to changing a young person’s life, I don’t want to miss out,” Lachie said. He’s seen the effectiveness of COACH first hand, and how the boys have developed through the program. He says he prefers COACH volunteering as continual training and 24/7 support is provided.

When Eric first visited LifeCare in 2012 he was, to use his own words “anxious, distraught and probably the lowest I’d ever been.” He’d driven past LifeCare’s signs on Springvale Road in Burwood countless times but never felt ready to ask for help. After months of severe depression, Eric found himself sitting alone in an empty house, thinking very dark thoughts. Finally, he listened to his inner voice and rallied the courage to call LifeCare. The phone went to voicemail. He felt utter despair.

He could have slipped into a depressive episode. Instead, as if on autopilot, he got in his car and drove there. At Reception, he uttered the words which changed his life, “I need to see someone.” Recognising his distress, LifeCare counsellor Christina saw him that day.

“Christina was amazing, she was the right person at the right time,” Eric said. She was such a lovely, gentle, listener. Even on that first day I felt comfortable talking and being open with her.”

Eric To become a LifeCare YOUTH COACH or to support the COACH program, please contact LifeCare on 03 9886 3899 or email Christina.

Posted in COACH

COACH Volunteer, Neil could well be your next door neighbour. A family man with two children of varying ages, working for a small business, and volunteering at his local church. Despite the demands on his life, Neil still finds the time to mentor a young man through LifeCare’s COACH program.

Since July 2013, Neil has mentored Kirby once a week after school. They play street cricket, kick a soccer ball around, or just have a chat. Kirby lives with his parents but family life is a little strained. With Neil, Kirby receives some one on one attention, some quality time with a male role model, and the opportunity to discuss his goals, opportunities and ideas on how to navigate the teenage years.

LifeCare’s COACH program trains volunteers who would like to support a young person in need of an older role model. All volunteers are vetted and must have appropriate Police and Department of Justice checks, and have successfully completed COACH training. Their reward for their volunteerism is giving a young person some much needed attention, and focus for their future.

Given his previous life experience as a single dad bringing up a son and daughter alone, Neil felt he could contribute to LifeCare as a COACH volunteer.

“When I did the COACH training I thought it would be difficult. But it’s not a tough gig at all. “The coaches are blessed as much as the coachee… in fact sometimes I think we get more out of it,” he said.

“Kirby is in his second year at high school and he’s a fantastic kid. He has some stresses at home so he looks forward to one on one attention when we get together.

Neil sees his mentor role as an opportunity to pay Kirby some attention, to discuss goals for his future, and help to steer him in a positive direction.

Lifecare’s COACH Mentors are at all ages and stages of life – university students, retirees, home makers, part time workers and senior executives.  Neil’s advice to people contemplating becoming coaches is, “Don’t think about it any longer. Just do it. You will love it!  “I think the mentors get just as much out of it, if not more than the coachee” Neil added

YOU can become a Youth COACH too and help make a difference in the life of a young person!  Please email Christina for further information on how to be one.

Posted in COACH