Priest Seeks The Good In Needy Youth (Press, 22 July 1987)

Rev. Felix Donnelly, a prominent figure in Auckland, has dedicated the last 16 years of his life to supporting homeless youth through his role as director of Youthlink, an organisation operating five homes for vulnerable children. Dressed in a blue business suit and possessing a gentle demeanour, Donnelly’s passion for aiding street kids is profound. He has recently authored a book detailing the work of Youthlink, highlighting his commitment to improving the lives of young individuals who are often prey to drugs and crime. Having started his advocacy in 1971, Donnelly has seen a worrying trend in the average age of youth seeking help decline from 19 to just 14. He attributes this shift to several societal factors, including family breakdowns, inadequate support for solo parents, weakened community ties, and youth being granted inappropriate freedoms too early. In his view, addressing these issues necessitates accountability from families, examining why minors find themselves living on the streets. Donnelly shares harrowing examples of youth exploitation, including a case where a 14-year-old boy became involved with a gang, leading to criminal behaviour to sustain his drug use. He emphasises that society often overlooks such troubling realities, and that it must confront the deeper issues contributing to youth homelessness. Youthlink employs around 40 people and relies on over $1 million annually from the Social Welfare Department and private donations to function. Donnelly notes that the organisation is overwhelmed with referrals, frequently turning away youth in need. He believes that many of these children have experienced significant trauma, including abuse, and indicates that recent years have seen an increase in young people grappling with drug and alcohol issues. Donnelly’s work extends to addressing educational failures among youth, particularly among those who feel socially excluded. He observes that many young people are educationally illiterate, lacking basic skills in reading and writing, which exacerbates their feelings of failure and insecurity. Yet, he also sees a desire for guidance among them, indicating a yearning for structure and support. Furthermore, Donnelly discusses the impact of racial tensions, particularly among Māori youth who may feel unjustly treated and view the education system as a failure. He insists that he sees not just street kids or addicts, but individuals deserving compassion and support. Priding himself on knowing each child in Youthlink’s homes, he views his role as more than mere management; it is about forging genuine connections and aiding them in overcoming their struggles and potential systemic barriers. Overall, Donnelly’s unwavering belief in the goodness of humanity drives his efforts to transform the lives of vulnerable youth, urging a compassionate societal response to prevent youth from slipping through the cracks.

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