Endless Horizons

Sometimes life takes us in directions we never thought we would go, a sentiment which rings all too true for Jim and Neda Mangioros. Together as husband and wife, they are about to embark on a journey to help the youth of Melbourne, and are currently putting all their focus and energies into developing the not for profit Endless Horizons Kids Youth and Outreach Centre in Coburg.

In the past their mentoring existed on a small scale, but they are now expanding in the hopes of inspiring and up-skilling at risk youth around Melbourne. Their dreams for an Outreach centre are ambitious – with in-house bowling alleys, free arcade games, in-door sports, computer rooms, social workers, mentors, a commercial kitchen, events, and an in-house nurse. Though, as their slogan happens to be “dream, believe, achieve” I have no doubts they will get there.

At this stage, they are calling for sponsors and donations in order to raise the $500,000 required to fit out the interior. Once set up in the next few months, they see Endless Horizons as a safe place for troubled kids to hang out in, a place that can seriously change lives, and one that can make Melbourne a better place for future generations. Paying testament to this are Rhys Gardener and Tyler Gardiner, both 18, who have been mentored by Jim over the past decade. As young boys and best friends in need of father figures, they found one in Jim. Both Rhys and Tyler have seen their confidence and the quality of their lives increase exponentially and are now following career paths in social work to help others in this way.

All those involved in Endless Horizons are passionate and sure that they can bring positive change into the lives of many. All they need is a little help to get started. They will be hosting a Fundraiser night on Saturday 27 October at the Ballroom of the Rydges Hotel in Preston, to get much needed sponsorship. If you can’t make it along but would still like to make a donation of any size, visit endlesshorizons.org.au.