Hegarty succeeds O'Rourke as resource centre chairperson
After serving a four-year term as chairperson of the Athlone Family Resource Centre, Cllr Aengus O'Rourke recently stepped down from the role and was succeeded by local man Padraig Hegarty.
Cllr O'Rourke said he had very much enjoyed his role with the Family Resource Centre, but it was one that had its "ups and downs" over the four years.
"The lowest period came in November 2019 when, as chairman, I took the difficult decision to close the centre in Battery Heights following a spate of violent events and threats made to staff and to myself at the time.
"We had regularly witnessed drug dealing in the area, and we had all been threatened on numerous occasions. The final straw came when a car was set on fire outside the centre. I had no option at that stage but to close the centre in the interest staff safety.
"The centre could no longer continue operating in that environment. As a result, at a meeting of the centre's board, on my recommendation, the decision was taken by the board to suspend services at the close the centre on a temporary basis. We did so with a very heavy heart.
"Despite that terrible set of circumstances in November 2019, Athlone's Family Resource Centre has emerged a stronger, more dynamic organisation. Now located on O’Connell Street, the centre is more accessible and has never been as busy.
"Our services have grown beyond all expectations, and we have increased our reach right across the town of Athlone and even into South Roscommon.
“We are funded by Tusla and supported in our work by many other agencies like Westmeath County Council, HSE, Westmeath Community Development, LWETB and many others.
"We offer a range of support services in Athlone, supporting young people and families with the challenges of today. We work with qualified therapists who can help with a range of issues affecting adults, families, and young people. We provide a very personal service, supporting families, children and individuals in many ways.
“The success of the Family Resource Centre is down to the resilience and commitment of our staff and the voluntary members of the board, who have always been very supportive and constructive.
"We have a wonderful team, it’s a small but very professional and dedicated team. The centre would be nothing without them. I have really enjoyed working with the staff and want to sincerely thank them for their work and for the support they gave me.
"I want to wish the new Chairman Padraig Hegarty well in his new role. I have no doubt that Padraig will put his own mark on the organisation. And I will assist in any way I can going forward."
The manager of the Athlone Family Resource Centre, Delores Crerar, said, "I would like to thank Aengus for his careful and skilled stewardship as chairman for the past number of years.
"We are delighted that he has agreed to stay on the board as a voluntary member to help us to continue to grow and advance our objectives. On my behalf and that of all the staff I would sincerely like to thank Aengus for his commitment to the Athlone Family Resource Centre."
The incoming chairperson, Padraig Hegarty, said he was "delighted and proud" to take on the role.
"I am excited about the future of the centre. I can see huge potential and am looking forward to working with the team to ensure we grow and develop the services further.
"I want to thank Aengus sincerely for his hard work in at times in very difficult circumstances. It has been a pleasure working with him on the board and I look forward to continuing that good work going forward."