Always about people finding freedom
From the early days when St Marys was a small Salvation Army outpost on the outskirts of Sydney, to today when The Salvation Army in the area is as diverse and vibrant as the city it serves, The Salvation Army is about people finding freedom. Last year, Shala Willey found freedom through the Youthlink Cafe Horizons vocational training and life-skills program. When I started the course I was not in a good place, she remembers. I was going through a lot at home, a lot of drama and big complications. Shala completed her Certificate II in Hospitality and says she’s grown a lot in the past year. I’ve become a lot more confident in myself. My dad is so proud that I’ve changed so dramatically, I’ve finished two qualifications, I’ve got my first aid course, I’ve got my learners licence – he is so proud of me for what I’ve achieved. Since graduating, Shala has completed another course – a certificate III in child care, done a first aid course and gained her learner’s licence. Cafe Horizons is wonderful, I love it. They [the staff and participants] are all so welcoming and so loving towards you. It’s like a giant family, she says.
