A decade of care, compassion and connection was celebrated last week as Sydney Adventist Women hosted the 10th and final Hope Stayz retreat at Crosslands Youth and Convention Centre.
For the past 10 years, the two-night, three-day retreat has provided a safe and nurturing space for disadvantaged women and their children—those facing domestic violence, anxiety, depression, financial hardship or homelessness. Guests have been referred through agencies such as ADRA Community Centre Blacktown and women’s refuges.
Funded and staffed by Sydney Adventist Women and supported by dedicated volunteers, the retreat has sought to restore dignity, confidence and self-worth by offering love, care and hope.
This year, nine mothers and 15 children attended, cared for by 27 volunteers who gave their time—many taking annual leave from work to be there. The program included life skills workshops, a boutique with free clothing, pamper sessions with hair, nails and facials, and a photo shoot. Children were catered for at the kids’ club, giving mothers an opportunity to relax and recharge.
The retreat was first initiated by former Crosslands managers Bruce and Maxine Hill, who pitched the idea to Beryl Landers, then director of Sydney Adventist Women. They worked together to make the idea a reality. Since then more than 120 women have attended the program.
“This program brings relief to disadvantaged women from all walks of life, especially [those experiencing] domestic violence, alcohol abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse,” said Meleofa Fifita-Tovo, current director of Sydney Adventist Women. “We just want to give back—to be the hands and feet of Jesus.”
For many, the impact has been transformative. “Through the Hope Stayz program we have seen so many lives impacted and one particular guest has actually volunteered for us for the last three years,” Ms Fifita-Tovo said. “She has changed her life spiritually, physically, emotionally, and she wanted to give back to the Hope Stayz program because we have helped her in these ways.”
Children, too, have experienced joy and hope. Shelley Phipps, kids’ club coordinator for eight of the past 10 years, reflected, “When they first arrive they are all scared, they’re shy, they don’t smile very much, and then after two-and-a-half days with us they’re going home with big grins on their faces, and it makes me feel good that we’ve given them a few happy moments that they can think back on so that when life is a bit tough they’ve got some time to remember that life can be good and it gives them a bit of hope for the future.”
Volunteer Minerva Sindac-Lebmeier affirmed the life-changing power of the retreat: “Today, we went for a walk with the ladies and when we got to the bush chapel we asked them what is the best part of the event so far and one of the ladies said that it’s like a dream come true for her, walking in the nature and being surrounded by people who are just positive and encouraging.”
After 10 years, the Hope Stayz retreat has come to an end as Sydney Adventist Women focuses on other projects. Leaders expressed their gratitude to the many volunteers whose dedication and service made the ministry possible across the decade.
