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Bill Campbell
Once a
homeless kid himself, Bill Campbell is striking a blow for today’s homeless youngsters, offering them hope and a place in family life. MARILYN KERJEAN reports
Bill Campbell was separated
from his sisters by the structures of children’s homes, institutions and foster care throughout his childhood. The names and faces of his carers were constantly changing.
His first-hand experience of the
scars and hurt that can accompany such a life made him keenly aware of the problems of homeless children today.
He offered governments, politicians and public servants an alternative in the provision of
housing and care for homeless, abused and neglected children.
But after seven years of disappointment and frustration with officialdom, he and his wife, Dawn, and daughter and son-in-law, Donna and Wayne
Jones, decided to strike a blow for the children by securing a property on which they could provide accommodation and care for the kids.
And by the end of this year, the first long-term Christian foster
community, William Campbell College, set on the 120ha property in the Shoalhaven area, is due to begin accepting homeless children.
The finishing touches have just been put on the first farm-style cottage
built on the property. The college also received two cottages from the Olympic Village last year.
It is hoped that the property will eventually have eight or nine cottages to accommodate foster families.
The aim of William Campbell College is to provide long term care and a safe, stable and nurturing environment for abused, neglected or rejected children.
They will be cared for by the same foster mum and
dad and an extended family of uncles, aunts, grand parents and wider community from the day they enter the community until they turn 18, then remain part of the family for the rest of their lives.
“We want
mums and dads who will make a commitment to provide a sound Christian atmosphere,” says Bill Campbell. “I know of nothing like it anywhere else.”
The children will attend external schools, but the college
will provide additional opportunities for them to learn about farming, music, arts, crafts and sports.
Volunteer teachers will also provide remedial classes and extra tuition.
The patron of the college
is Barbara Holborrow, retired Family Court magistrate and author of the bestseller Kids Love for Life.
“I read her book and the very thing she was advocating 30 years ago is what we’re doing,” says Bill
Campbell.
Members and directors of the college, who include a school principal, business people, an architect, TAFE teachers and an accountant, are from different Christian denominations, including Catholic,
Anglican and Uniting Church.
The college is now looking for couples to live in the planned community as foster parents.
For information and a copy of the job description, phone 4256 8686.
Applications should be sent to the Board of Directors, William Campbell College, PO Box 3035, Minnamurra NSW 2533. Applications close on October 7.
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