Respond Housing Association held an event in Waterford this week as part of the charity’s 30th Anniversary celebrations this year. Over 200 gathered for a family fun day from four estates in Waterford; Killure Grove, Killure Manor, Ashbrook Crescent and Ursuline Mews. The festivities concluded with the presentation of FETAC Certificates in Family Studies to Respond residents and staff. Waterford hurler Tony Browne was on hand to welcome guests and make the certificate presentation.
Fr Pat Cogan, CEO of Respond Housing Association, said: “Our 30th anniversary in 2012 is a major milestone for Respond Housing Association and we’re delighted to be able to celebrate our achievements with the people who matter the most – our residents. This family fun day has really shown that our aim is to build communities, and the whole community has taken part and enjoyed the event. We are also delighted to be able to present 12 Respond residents and staff with FETAC certificates in Family Studies today, this shows a real commitment by them to their community. We’re looking forward to continuing to provide our service to the Waterford community, and nationwide, for the next 30 years and more.”
Twelve Respond residents and staff from local community services recently completed a FETAC Level 5 component award in Family Studies, and they received their certificates at today’s event. This course, facilitated by the Respond Education Department, was run over nine weeks in Killure Grove Community Building. The main aim of the course was to provide a forum for learners to discuss and analyse the challenges and difficulties faced by modern families. This course which was run as part of the charity’s major education initiative, Respond College, which will see a significant increase in activity this year. Respond College was established in 2011 and offers a range of programmes on the National Framework of Qualifications, including a variety of new courses commencing in September.
Waterford hurler Tony Browne said: “It is an honour to be invited to this very special event by Respond Housing Association, and to see the results of their work in Waterford. It is particularly great to meet local residents here who show real community spirit. I wish them every success in the future and congratulate them on their 30th anniversary this year.”
First Tee partnered Respond Housing Association at today’s event. The mission of First Tee is to impact the lives of young people by providing educational programmes that build character, instil life-enhancing values and promote healthy choices through the game of golf. John Warren, CEO of First Tee commented: “We are delighted with the opportunity to partner with Respond Housing Association and to introduce our programme and its core values to children from their estates. We also congratulate them on their 30th anniversary celebrations and wish them continued success”. Ballygowan and Jack Molloys also kindly supported the family fun day.
Respond is Ireland’s leading housing association, established in 1982, with head offices in Waterford. They provide housing for almost 20,000 residents around Ireland. The organisation creates a positive future for people by alleviating poverty and creating vibrant, socially integrated communities. This is achieved by providing access to education, childcare, community development programmes, housing and other supports.