When Bathurst-based father and businessman, Ben Middleton saw a documentary on youth homelessness he knew he had to do something and so, after doing some research into local services, made the decision to make a personal donation of $5,000 towards local youth service, Veritas House. Ben shared the decision with his brother Dr Jesse Middleton who also jumped on board, and the result was ‘Coffee for a Cause’, where Dr Jesse’s $5,000 donation will ‘pay forward’ coffees at MouBar Vintage in Ribbon Gang Lane, Bathurst on Saturday, 28 October and local residents are asked to make a donation to Veritas in return for their free coffee, with the goal of raising a further $5,000.

Veritas House has presented the 2017 Carer of the Year Award to Julie Everson, an exceptional carer who displays the Veritas House organisational values of compassion, innovation, inclusion, individualised care, cultural sensitivity, fairness and honesty. A loving, warm and accepting carer, Julie makes every child that comes into her care feel included as part of her family, and incorporates anything that is special or significant to the children into her own life, including attending cultural events with Aboriginal children in her care, ensuring they continue to remain connected to their culture.

Two members of the Veritas House team will have a cold, uncomfortable night sleeping in their car on Saturday, 5 August to raise funds and awareness to alleviate the plight of homeless people in the Orange district.

Veritas House will again conduct the popular Positive Parenting Program or ‘Teen Triple P’ commencing on Tuesday, 15 August and is urging Bathurst parents and carers to register now to reserve their place.

Bathurst City Centre has launched its Winter Appeal and selected Veritas House as the recipient of its campaign.

Entering into foster care for the first time is a daunting experience for any child. To help reduce some of this stress, one Veritas supporter has created ‘Kindness Kits’ – backpacks filled with essential toiletries, school supplies, toys, books and a comfort item.

Veritas staff are frequently humbled by the generosity of individuals and organisations who share our passion for helping vulnerable children, young people and their families, but the ongoing support received from one group deserves special recognition.

Veritas House staff recently undertook a two day workshop designed to further develop skills and knowledge to work with children and adolescents who have, or are experiencing abuse and trauma in their lives.