Theresa Mitchell opens up on adversity and compassion

NSW Regional Woman of the Year 2024 and Agape Outreach founder Theresa Mitchell is sharing the personal experiences behind her community work as the latest guest on the Wise, Wild & Woven podcast.

Mitchell’s episode was released on 1 July as part of the 13-part series, which profiles women over 40 from regional and rural New South Wales.

The Tweed resident, who founded Agape Outreach to support people experiencing homelessness and hardship across the Byron-to-Gold Coast region, said she was drawn to the podcast because it explored the realities behind people’s achievements.

“I was drawn to the Wise, Wild & Woven podcast because it celebrates the stories of women whose lives have been shaped by experience, resilience and purpose,” she said.

“Too often we see the polished version of success, but not the journey that got people there.”

Mitchell said the episode explores challenges that many people were unaware she had faced, including domestic violence, financial hardship and raising her family as a single mother.

“I was in a domestic violence relationship and was left when I was three weeks pregnant,” she said.

“I struggled financially and experienced periods with no food in the house.”

She also spoke about fostering 27 children over six years, hosting more than 250 international students and completing psychology degrees while working full-time and managing ADHD and dyslexia.

Mitchell said being named NSW Regional Woman of the Year in 2024 recognised not only her own work but the efforts of Agape Outreach’s volunteers and supporters.

She said the organisation began with a simple conversation.

“As a single mother, I would often stop and talk with people experiencing homelessness,” she said.

“What struck me was how their faces would light up simply because someone had acknowledged them.”

Unable to ignore the growing need, she prepared a meal and took it into the street.

“I went home, cooked a meal, took it into the street and simply asked, ‘Who’s hungry?'” she said.

“What started with a single meal grew into relationships, community support and eventually Agape Outreach.”

Mitchell said she hoped listeners would come away with a greater understanding that hardship could affect anyone.

“Most importantly, I hope people feel inspired to lead with compassion,” she said.