History

Kidzlink’s name originated in 2007, when the ministries of the Girls Friendly Society (GFS), Kids Plus and Playgroup Plus were incorporated under one umbrella. Today, Kidzlink continues to evolve, but its core intent remains the same as we seek to assist any Christian person or organisation reach out with the gospel to children and families. While Kidzlink may be a recent brand name, its contribution to Christian ministry actually extends back much further in time to 1880 under a different name, the Girls Friendly Society!

The Girls Friendly Society (GFS) began in England 1875 through the vision of a Christian lady named Mary Townsend who was concerned to do something about the plight of young women who came to the cities from rural areas to work in the factories of the industrial revolution. Such women were often young, open to exploitation and lonely. With the assistance of the Archbishop of Canterbury and a small group of supporters, Mary founded the Girls Friendly Society (GFS) and soon after the first Christian lodges opened in Brixton. The lodges provided a safe place to sleep, meals, skills training and pastoral support. It took only four years for GFS to reach Australia where the needs of young women immigrating to the colony were just as acute.

The original mission of GFS NSW was to replicate the ministry from England, by establishing lodges where young migrants could find their feet and experience Christian fellowship. Since that time the style of GFS’s ministry has evolved in the wake of the changing needs and demographics of Australian communities. As immigration ebbed, one major shift was to provide an outreach ministry to young girls in the communities that surrounded local suburban churches. Today, GFS continues in the form of after school clubs to girls and is supported by Kidzlink along with a wider range of co-educational, school age, outreach ministries to children.

In 1999 GFS launched Kidsplus, a joint venture with the Church of England Boys Society (CEBS) and Anglican Youth Works (AYW). Kidsplus was a co-educational after school outreach project for primary children. It was promoted with a giant green frog mascot called ‘Croakie’. For the past decade Kidsplus groups have been engaging children with the gospel in Anglican churches across Sydney. Today, Kidsplus resources are still largely available (see our online store) and Croakie may be hired for promotional purposes. Kidzlink provides ongoing support to existing Kidsplus groups and anyone else who chooses to utilize its resources and subscribe as a school age ministry group (Slink subscription).

The name Kidzlink was launched in 2007, bringing under one umbrella many years of ministry from GFS, Kidsplus and a wealth of experience from church based Playgroups. This arrangement was formalized by Kidzlink becoming an incorporated, not for profit Christian organization. For the past three years Kidzlink has provided training, resources and pastoral support to a growing number and diversity of after school clubs and preschool age ministries.

In the future Kidzlink hopes to expand its clientele and become a ‘hub’ for both preschool and school age Christian ministry. Kidzlink’s is optimistic about the future and strives to be at the cutting edge of Christian ministry to children and their families.

For a more complete history of GFS you can purchase A Faithful Journey, The Story of GFS in the Diocese of Sydney by Evelyn Beckenham.

‘Let the children come to me, for to them belongs the kingdom of heaven’ (Mark 10:13).