Opening your home, changing a life: foster care with Meli

FOR Torquay parents, Sarah and Rowan Prendergast, becoming foster carers started with a simple goal: to show their children what it means to help others.

Two years on, it has proven to be one of the most meaningful decisions their family has made.

Since beginning their journey with Meli, the Prendergasts have welcomed several children into their home through both respite and longer-term care.

Over the past year, their experience has deepened significantly after a two-month-old baby girl came into their care and stayed.

Now 14 months old, she is a much-loved part of their everyday life.

“She is a little darling,” Rowan says. “Our whole family has embraced her. It’s really fulfilling to see so many people loving and supporting her as she grows.”

Fostering has not only changed the lives of the children they care for, but also shaped their own children, Alby and Molly.

“It’s powerful to see the kids respond to the challenges maturely and understand the importance of helping other kids,” Rowan says.

For Molly, the experience has been especially impactful.

“We are helping others and I enjoy playing with them and looking after them,” she says.

Their experience reflects the many ways foster care can fit around family life.

Meli offers a range of options, including overnight or emergency care, short-term care, respite care and long-term care – allowing carers to find an arrangement that suits them.

Having experienced both respite and long-term care, the Prendergasts value the unique rewards of each.

“With respite care, we’ve seen young people return to their families and not need us again,” Rowan says.

“It can be sad, but it’s rewarding to know their journey home is complete.

“And with long-term care, it’s been equally joyful to watch a child grow and develop as part of our family.”

With more than 500 children in out of home care across Geelong, including many still waiting for a safe place to call home, the need for foster carers remains urgent.

“People may think they couldn’t be a foster carer, but the truth is most of us can be,” Meli manager of care services Jo Dumesny said.

“Caring for a child in your home could be one of the most rewarding experiences of your life.”

Meli provides ongoing training, guidance and financial support to ensure carers have what they need to provide a safe and nurturing home.

To find out if foster care is for you, contact Meli on 5226 8900 or visit meli.org.au/fostercare

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