Beenleigh YACCA

Philosophy & Vision

Wesley Mission Brisbane delivers thirteen youth, adult and family programs in the Beenleigh, Eagleby and Gold Coast area including the YACCA program. Our vision is to make a positive difference in the lives of people, and so participate in building a just and inclusive society.

YACCA believes that, given a safe well-facilitated environment rich in opportunities for participation, all individuals can offer their unique talents to each other in the community.

We aim to provide educational, recreational and social opportunities in a safe community environment to local young people. We focus on group programs based around the five principles of Respect, Responsibility, Participation, Fun and Safety. We aspire to local young people having a sense of power and belonging, and to help foster mutual respect between young people, their families and the community.

Characteristics of the area in which we work

The Beenleigh and surrounding areas is administered by the Logan City Council (LCC). Beenleigh business and community groups operate distinct local initiatives, promoting a strong local identity which includes a majority of the local community. Population growth and development have had a huge impact, however - rising rent increases, community infrastructure inadequacies and accompanying social issue. YACCA clients are drawn from across the spectrum of this local population.

Activities and services that we provide

Wesley Mission Brisbane's ‘General Access' drop in centre program is a program which provides after school and school holiday access to the ‘Eagleby Youth Space'. Local young people aged 10-17 years come to the purpose built Youth Space to participate in activities and use the facilities provided.

We also provide individual support for program referrals and ‘drop-in' clients, as well as Youth Justice, schools, Department of Communities and Wesley Mission Brisbane program clients.

Our model of service delivery

We offer ‘General Access', and work in partnership with local school and agencies, to deliver educational, recreational and social opportunities in the local community.

YACCA's programs operate at three levels; The ‘General Access' Drop-In and Activity programs run at the other venues; Needs-Based Programs, run at the Youth Space and at other venues; and Individual Support, provided in partnership with local schools and services.

Recent Outcomes

• Record Attendance at General Access and holiday programs
• Facilitation of Eagleby Youth Space's youth leadership team (YSIP-Youth Space In Progress)
• Client Participation in community events and festivals
• Funding acquired to run sporting and nutrition program
• Funding also acquired to refurbish Eagleby Youth Space and resources

Recent Community Development projects

• YSIP Youth Leadership Team
• Halloween Community Dance
• Beenleigh Cane Festival and Eagleby Festival Participation
• E-Youth Positive Lifestyle Program - Nutrition and Rugby League focussed funding acquired through Sport and Rec Qld.
• ‘Celebrating Our Youth Festival' - Youth Week funding acquired through Logan City Council Events and Small Grants
• Eagleby Youth Space Rejuvenation Project - funding acquired through Gambling Community Benefits Fund