Jeni Hayes feels honoured to win the Westfield Hornsby Local Heroes award. Jeni has been part of Mission Australia and supporting young people at risk of homelessness for more than 10 years.

“Journeying with people of any age as they overcome barriers and achieve their goals is a privileged space to sit in,” Jeni says.

Known for her genuine warmth and ability to create a space of safety and security for vulnerable young people, Jeni is well deserving of the award.

“Our team feel privileged to have assisted many young people to overcome the impact of family breakdown, family violence, school disengagement, unemployment, mental illness, drug and alcohol use and homelessness.” says Jeni. “Any interaction I have young people, is a blessing. I love building rapport and supporting them to achieve their goals.”

You may see Jeni and her team at a weekly outreach in the Hornsby mall every Tuesday.

“We build rapport with the young people at risk who frequent this area, provide them with meal vouchers, and offer information about support,” Jeni says. “I love helping young people identify the changes they want to make in their lives and helping them see the opportunities in front of them.”

Thank you for making sure that young people have the support they need to thrive.

Northern Sydney Youth Homelessness Service is an early intervention service that works with young people to prevent homelessness.

Donate today to help provide safes homes for vulnerable families.

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Our founding purpose - 'Inspired by Jesus Christ, Mission Australia exists to meet human need and to spread the knowledge of the love of God'