OUR MISSION
Mothers Against Drugs (M.A.D.) is a Not for Profit organization which was formed to directly assist disadvantages children and their families in local communities near YOU.
Our mission is to help transform lives by meeting basic human needs – food, clothing, housing, education and counseling, in addition giving ‘at risk’ young people and their families, a sense of purpose and emotional support.
Our projects and services are unique in Australia and are based on grassroots, direct action, community led and inspired solutions.
About Mothers Against Drugs
‘Be an Elf’ had been operating for 10 years and was started by a group of concerned members of M.A.D (Mothers against Drugs) who wanted to help hungry LOCAL CHILDREN. Every time they went shopping they would put a few extra items in the trolley to be later distributed to children in need. From these humble beginnings, it grew to become the annual “Be an Elf Xmas Appeal”.
The ‘Be an Elf’ Xmas Appeal is our most important community outreach campaign, but we have been around since 1989 helping disadvantaged children, teens and their families in Logan/ Beenleigh and throughout South east Qld. and we have evolved in our services roles, over that period. In that time, we have helped literally 100’s of local families to overcome problems relating to poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, gambling, homelessness and criminality issues.
We have taken children and teens, who had no hope, no educational opportunities and even no food and shelter off the street and seen them go on to lead valuable and contributing lives. We will often be the last recourse when a child has nowhere else to turn.
Some of the kids we see just need a push, a kind word, some to talk to, some food and descent clothing. Our volunteers tell us they have heard children we help say years later, “You know that was one thing that turned it around for me.” A simple act of generosity can have profound life changing results.
In our current work, we focus on 0-17-year old’s, who are most in need of:
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Emotional and psychological support
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Physical safety and housing
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Items that meet their basic living and schooling need
These young people include those who are:
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Facing or at risk of sexual exploitation or experiencing domestic abuse
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At risk of running away from home or care
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Seeking accommodation. They may be homeless, lining in a car, couch surfing or sleeping rough.
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Living with disability or caring for someone in their family with a disability, illness or substance abuse\living in care
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Offending or in the youth justice system
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Having mental and emotional health concerns
We also assist the families of disadvantaged children.
WE SEE WHAT MOST DON’T
We see the heartbreaking effects of poverty, homelessness, abuse and addiction every day. And most importantly, we see the children who desperately need support and compassion and hope. For us, it is impossible to turn a blind eye to suffering. This Christmas Be an Elf asks you to open your eyes and your heart. And give a hand up to those children who equally deserve a happy, joyful Christmas.
