Youth worker for church
A Marton church is offering practical help to youth as part of vision to look out for the community.
St Andrew’s Presbyterian Church, which celebrated it’s 150th jubilee in 2012, has appointed Jasmin Vanderwerff as its fulltime youth and families worker to work with young people, and not only associated with the church, but district-wide.
Vanderwerff will be the church’s first social worker after it recently reviewed its commitment to the district’s youth.
Four years ago it started a youth club on Friday nights, with the help of churchgoer Kyle Hastelow.
The success of that club prompted minister Reverend Phil Warner to seek fulltime employment for struggling families in Rangitikei.
‘‘Over the past few years we at St Andrew’s have felt that there is a real need to reach out and care for the young people of Marton,’’ he said.
‘‘Jasmin’s job description asks her to not only work with young people at St Andrew’s, but also in the wider community.’’
Vanderwerff grew up in the Manawatu where she attended Feilding High School.
She came to Marton with several years of experience and training in youth work, Warner said.
Vanderwerff was looking forward to applying some of that experience in her work with Rangitikei families.
‘‘This position offers me a great opportunity to get to know the Marton community,’’ she said.
‘‘My passion is to see young people transformed. I love to see those that feel lost become empowered and equipped to go out into the adult world with a sense of purpose.’’
The church will hold a service on July 30 at 9.30am.