The Mount Druitt Ethnic Communities Agency (MECA) provides casework, advocacy, information, educational support, employment and education pathways support, referral, projects and services to migrants, refugees, young people and the wider community. Casework services are delivered by bilingual workers that specialise in the provision of culturally appropriate assistance in a number of community languages including explaining the contents of documents, material assistance with bills and assistance with the negotiation of private and government institutions such as Centrelink.
Referrals are also provided by caseworkers for clients that require specialised services not offered by MECA such as domestic violence or age care support. Project workers and caseworkers are both involved in advocacy and representing the interests of our clients to government agencies such as Housing NSW, businesses such as private real estate agents and other non government service providers. Information is delivered through formal group sessions and informal one-on-one meetings.
Information provided covers a broad range of topics from social life in Australia, employment and training pathways, to educational options for children and young people. Other educational support programs include after school programs, homework support, computer literacy and English lessons. Recreational activities for young people also operate during school holidays. Young people between 12-24 years of culturally and linguistically diverse (CALD) backgrounds participate in activities such as adventure, craft and performing arts. All of the activities, programs and projects run by MECA are informed by the communities we work with. They are designed to assist new migrants and refugees to settle into Australian society and become valuable members of the community, through skills development and culturally sensitive information delivery.
