New Vine Lakes is honoured to partner with HopeStreet Windale, a ministry providing care, community, and practical support to people in need in Windale. We support their mission through hosting community groups and a monthly Brekkie Church. Visit their official website to see the impact they’re making, see link at the top of the page.
BaptistCare HopeStreet at Windale is a trusted place offering hope to people living with disadvantage and distress in our local community. Homelessness, addiction, domestic violence and mental illness are some of the issues faced by the people that visit the centre in Windale. HopeStreet work to provide hope for people experiencing great trials, through care and services that address these issues, while also looking to strengthen and support the local community. NVL liaises primarily with BaptistCare Hunter Operations Support Lead, Anne Parker and our activities include Breakfast Church, as well as the men’s and women’s Friday groups.
The last 12 months have been quite challenging for Anne, due to her partner’s physical health over the past two years. She is also supporting her ageing siblings who have some major health issues (she has seven brothers and six sisters!) This puts things in perspective for her, living in a way that makes the most of our days ahead.
HopeStreet’s challenges are ongoing within the community they serve, on a daily basis. Cost of living is impacting the most vulnerable, namely the homeless, domestic violence survivors and those with drug and/or alcohol dependency. External service providers have been inundated with queries, such that clients are been waitlisted. Competition for resources can cause community members to become heightened and verbally abusive towards each other, staff and volunteers.
With the assistance of organisations like New Lakes Vine Church, local donations from community members and grants, HopeStreet creates a safe environment in which people can come, have a cuppa/ something to eat and connect socially. Caseworkers are ongoing with clients with special needs, ensuring they are empowered/encouraged and assisting them in a safer environment / space.
This year, they were blessed with a grant towards a cookbook, noting that nutrition is a big issue in the community. Community members are inputting favourite recipes, which they cook / demonstrate in our kitchen, before they are included in our cookbook, which will be available to the community.
Last year, your support helped provide essential care items for women and families escaping domestic and family violence, including kitchen, bedding, and laundry items, along with fuel and food vouchers. These practical gifts were warmly received and helped support people as they rebuilt their lives.
In 2025, NVL has continued monthly Brekkie Church and fortnightly men’s and women’s groups, focused on loving and serving the community through the Good News. These initiatives continue to complement the work of HopeStreet and other local ministries supporting those in need, including young mums in Windale.
The Community Development team within Hunter Hub is increasing its focus on building stronger networks with service providers across the Hunter and Lake Macquarie. In 2026, they aim to increase visibility and better communicate what HopeStreet offers—walking alongside the community through hardship, helping people find and maintain safe spaces, and fostering a strong sense of belonging.
HopeStreet are very much at the “arise” end of this theme, helping people to get back on their feet. One of our guiding scriptures is Jeremiah 29:11 - “For I know the plans that I have for you”, declares the LORD, "plans to prosper you and not to harm you; plans to give you hope and a future”. Those they help are often very low on hope. Assistance ranges from basic provision (food, shelter) through to detailed plans put together by professional care workers, often connecting people with other service providers and groups that can assist with their overall needs. Partnerships across the community are vital. This is why, for example, HopeStreet cherish their relationship with New Vine Lakes. As an illustration, “Shine” is the theme of the Friday ladies group run by NVL. In all of this, HopeStreet sees themselves in the “Samaritan” role. We try to help people get back up and not to judge.
A) Care items for domestic violence and emergency situations ($2,000) and, in particular:
B) Provide petrol and food vouchers to be used at the caseworker's discretion ($2,000).
C) Support for the various NVL Ministries, including primarily Breakfast Church ($1,000).