Jess runs for Wesley Operation Hope

I've decided to take on the Sydney Marathon on 21 September 2014.

My goal is to run a marathon before I turn 30 and  I'm squeezing this one in with only days to spare!! In thinking about this 42.2km journey, my additional motivation is to run for a cause.

For those that don't know, I work for a community services organisation called Wesley Mission. I've been with Wesley since 2011 and one of the programs I'm fortunate enough to manage is a program that works with disengaged youth, called Wesley Operation Hope.

Wesley Operation Hope gives young people the opportunity to a break from their everyday life, offering support to these young people, who may not get that at home. Many of the young people we work with, have come from homes of domestic violence, drug and alcohol abuse, family breakdown, neglect, financial hardship and may have experience homelessness in their lives.

Wesley Operation Hopes is delivered in conjunction with Wesley Vision Valley and uses an adventure therapy model to foster change amongst these young people. The program works closely with young people aged 12-16 over a 10 week period, connecting with them fortnightly, utilising the adventure activities we have at Wesley Vision Valley, then finishing the term with a weeklong expedition. The program is built on six critical life messages;

• I believe in you
• I trust you
• I know you can handle it
• You are listened to
• You are cared for
• You are important to me

The program is designed to ensure our facilitators are working with our young people to not only make them feel a part of the group, but also to reach personal goals, develop their leadership skills, self-awareness and self-actualisation. A big goal for the program is to see our young people engaged in education or employment.

Wesley Operation Hope is not a government funded program and relies purely on donations and grants, with the cost to support one young person per 10 week period being $3,785.

My goal is to not only finish the 42.2km run, but also to raise enough money, to ensure one young person is given the opportunity to participate in Wesley Operation Hope.

Thank you for supporting me and this great cause.