Helping youth navigate life’s challenges in Sydney’s south

deansimpson7
Jul 29
2 min read

Jacob Browning says he loves his role at Menai Salvos in Sydney.

Jacob Browning is a Youth Worker at Menai Corps in Sydney’s south. He enjoys witnessing positive changes in young people and often their families when they find support and a sense of belonging. Salvos Online asked Jacob about his role and how God is using him.

So, Jacob, what do you do to help your community? I’m passionate about giving back and supporting my local community in every way I can. As a youth pastor, I have the privilege of making a meaningful impact in the lives of young people. My role allows me to engage with local high schools, helping students who are struggling to find their place, and to run programs that foster both community and faith. Being part of the Salvos has deepened my understanding of the importance of healthy, supportive communities. I’ve witnessed firsthand the incredible transformation that happens when young people find a space where they feel valued, important, and truly belong.

What impact your work and/or other actions have on people/community? I’ve been fortunate to witness the incredible impact of my team’s efforts and the programs we’ve run over the past few years. Not only have we been able to invest in and connect with young people, but we’ve also had the opportunity to support their entire families. This has allowed us to extend our reach, fostering deeper connections and making a lasting difference in our local community. Our support goes beyond mentorship – it includes financial assistance, holistic care, and spiritual guidance. Whether it’s helping families navigate the loss of a loved one or providing aid during difficult times, we are committed to walking alongside them and ensuring they feel supported in every way possible.

Why you do this? I love my job because it is incredibly rewarding and allows me to make a meaningful impact in my community. Every day, I have the opportunity to give back by being intentional with young people – walking alongside them, supporting them, and helping them navigate life’s challenges. One of the most fulfilling aspects of my role is witnessing real transformation in people’s lives, seeing them grow in confidence, find their purpose, and build strong connections. Being part of that journey is both a privilege and a constant reminder of why I’m so passionate about what I do.

Where you see your work/actions/community going in the future? Our vision for the future is to create more spaces across the Sutherland Shire where young people feel a true sense of belonging and acceptance. We want every Salvation Army building to be a safe, welcoming environment where young people can experience God’s love first-hand. While our programs already do this well, we believe there is always room to grow and expand our impact. Moving forward, we aim to be even more open in fostering faith-based programs, giving young people more opportunities to explore and deepen their faith. Additionally, we want to create spaces where they can give back to their community, empowering them to make a difference in the lives of others just as they have been supported themselves.