'A beacon of hope' - celebrating 25 years of Treo Port Lairge
Rachel O'Regan, Niamh McGrath, Jen Lodge, Maria Kennedy and Debbie Grant, at Treo Port Lairge's 25th anniversary celebration. Photo: Joe Evans
It has been 25 years since Treo Port Lairge first opened its doors to the community.
In the years since, the organisation has supported some of the most vulnerable members of our community, becoming a beacon of hope, and a centre of excellence for change.
The service works with men and women referred to them by the probation service, offering them support, direction and hope.
Treo offers education, vocational training, social welfare support and teaches valuable life skills to help people forge new life paths and work their way back into the community.
The service started from humble beginnings, originally established in the Tycor Business Park.
In 2015, they expanded from this small space into their current home at the Lacken Road Business Park.
The service is now expanding to work with people aged 24 and over.
Additional funding has been received, and the staff team has been increasing.
The service is now nationally recognised, and has become a model of what can be possible when the community works together to help those in need.
Celebrations took place at the Treo HQ last week, attended by members of the community, staff past and present, and special guests Cllr Jason Murphy and Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan.
Speaking at the event, Treo Chairperson Ned Hogan said that the organisation has grown exponentially since its humble beginnings 25 years ago.
“The reason for Treo being established was because we recognised there was a gap in the supports available for people aged between the ages of 16 and up.
“So a group of us got together, we had several meetings, and eventually we got the probation and welfare service on board.
“We always had the concept of respect and dignity, and providing everyone that came in with a second chance. Life is about choices and making the right choice, and for a lot of people who have got a bad start in life, they could come into Treo to give them choices.
“We are now perceived as one of the best projects, not only in Waterford, but in the entire country."
Treo CEO Danny Murphy added that the work of the staff throughout the years has been monumental.
“Our aim in the last 25 years has been to reduce criminality amongst youth. We’re a beacon of hope and a place where second chances can be created. We believe in people, we believe in change.
"What our staff, tutors, volunteers and counsellor do is not always easy, but it is profoundly important, because Treo is more than just a project, it’s a place where individuals can transform their lives."
Speaking on the future of the organisation, he said: "I'd like Treo to now build on this foundation of 25 years and to work in partnership with everyone who supports us, so that the next 25 years will be even brighter."
Commending Treo for their years of service to the Waterford community, Cllr Jason Murphy said that the staff over the years have demonstrated "commitment, professionalism and dedication".
"Through its work with men and women referred to them by the Probation Service, Treo has not only offered support, but has opened doors to new beginnings.
"It has provided, hope, direction and above all dignity to all who served here.
"We often speak of community safety in terms of policing and enforcement, but real safety begins with prevention, inclusion and providing opportunities.
"By offering education, vocational training and social welfare support, Treo has enabled people to take positive steps forward, build new lives and become active and valued contributors to society."
