170 Years of Moments Like These

In 2026 Anglicare celebrates 170 years of work in our community. Much has changed across the decades, but here’s something constant: God leads ordinary people to walk alongside others in extraordinary ways. People like Genelle.

Genelle is one of our Support Coordinators. She comes alongside people navigating housing instability, health decline, and sudden disruption, and helps create moments of healing and transformation. They don’t all look the same, but across her work she sees a pattern: with the right support, people can find their footing again.

Like Vikki…

Vikki had built a life around calligraphy and aqua aerobics, but due to growing alcohol dependence and a serious fall, she began relying on her 80-year-old mother and sister for care.

Genelle worked with Vikki to get the right assessments, which led to NDIS support and Supported Independent Living. Vikki now lives with structure and has been alcohol-free for more than a year. Her family told Genelle, “If we hadn’t crossed paths with you, Vikki wouldn’t be here today.”

Or Jo…who has now reclaimed joy in everyday life.

After domestic violence and a traumatic brain injury, Jo’s independence was affected. Genelle supported her to move into secure housing. She now takes part in community craft sessions, encouraging others to join in, and has recently reduced some of her NDIS supports due to the community she now has in place.

And Janet, who you might have met through our Winter Appeal:

“I lost my job, got dumped by my partner of 15 years, and then got diagnosed with cancer,” Janet said, detailing the overwhelming circumstances she faced on the brink of homelessness. Yet, with support, including housing that Genelle helped secure, Janet could find stability again. For Janet, every day now starts watching the sunrise out her window, grateful for how her life turned around.

For 170 years, Anglicare has existed for moments like these — the turning points that help people rebuild. They are made possible by the faithfulness of God, dedicated team members like Genelle, and generous donors like you. What stories will be added in the years to come?