The Fabric of Generosity
Some of the most valuable threads in a community are the ones you don't immediately notice. For years, Shortland-Wallsend-Jesmond Park Uniting Church has been one of those threads — showing up consistently and practically to support young people at Margaret Jurd College who are working hard to find their footing.
Some of the most valuable threads in a community are the ones you don't immediately notice. Shortland-Wallsend-Jesmond Park Uniting Church has been one of those threads for Margaret Jurd College for years, contributing financially, donating clothing, and providing their hall free of charge each year so senior students can spend a full day working through job readiness and wellbeing programs. It is consistent, practical support, and it makes a real difference.
The congregation has been a consistent supporter of the College for years, contributing both financially and practically to programs that help students move forward.
This support is especially evident through MJC's Style and Suit Up for Success program, an initiative designed to help students feel confident, prepared and job ready as they step into interviews, work placements and employment pathways. The program operates under two streams, Suit Up (for boys) and Style for Success (for girls), ensuring all students have access to appropriate clothing and personal care items that support dignity and self-presentation.
Margaret Jurd College is a non-government, not-for-profit independent school supporting young people in Years 9 to 12 who have experienced barriers to education. Many students arrive having faced complex personal, social, or financial challenges. The College's focus is on re-engagement, wellbeing, and equipping students with the life skills needed to move forward with confidence and independence.
Having the right clothing for an interview or work placement is a small thing that can carry real weight for a young person who doesn't have access to it.
The program relies heavily on community support. Donations of gently used business clothing are always welcome, including men's and women's professional attire, shoes, belts, ties, handbags and briefcases. For female students in particular, items such as handbags, basic make-up, hair care products and toiletries help build confidence and readiness for professional environments. Everyday essentials are also a key part of the initiative. Items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant, body wash, sunscreen, laundry detergent and gift cards all contribute to supporting students in practical and meaningful ways as they prepare for work and independent living.
Those contributions make a direct difference to what the program can offer, and for students stepping into their first interview or workplace, that difference is felt. The congregation also donates the use of their hall each year for a full day of job readiness and wellbeing activities for senior students, providing the space free of charge. It is a generous and practical contribution that the program depends on.
The relationship between Shortland-Wallsend-Jesmond Park Uniting Church and MJC is a practical one, grounded in a shared belief that young people deserve support as they find their footing. The church shows up for that consistently, and it shows in what the program can deliver.
Margaret Jurd College is grateful for the generosity of Shortland-Wallsend-Jesmond Park Uniting Church and its congregation. That support, given steadily and without expectation of recognition, makes a real difference to students as they prepare for work, training, and life beyond school.
Jennae Jereza and Renee Gersteling - Office of Margaret Jurd College
More Information
Donations for the Suit Up and Style for Success program remain welcome and can be delivered to MJC Shortland, 272 Sandgate Road, Shortland NSW 2307, before the 10th of June.
For more information, contact 02 4951 7314 or enquiries@mjc.nsw.edu.au