After six wonderful years at the heart of our community centre, we are saying a fond farewell to our much-loved Centre Manager, Steph Jankovic, as she prepares to move on to a new chapter as Community Centre and Partnerships Manager at Oxford City Council.
During her time in post, Steph has made an incredible contribution to the centre and the wider community. From navigating the unprecedented challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic to playing a key role in reopening the centre and welcoming people back through its doors, her commitment, enthusiasm and dedication have been unwavering.
Reopening after COVID was about so much more than simply opening the doors again. It was about rebuilding connections, bringing people together and restoring the sense of belonging that makes our centre such a special place. Steph has been instrumental in helping to make that happen.
One of her particularly special contributions has been introducing our Wishing Tree project, which brings together the generosity of local donors to provide Christmas gifts for children from families on lower incomes. The project has helped spread joy, create special memories and make a real difference to local families. It is a wonderful example of the community spirit that Steph has championed throughout her time with us, and a legacy that we hope will continue to grow in the years ahead.
Over the past six years, she has worked tirelessly to support our community, welcome visitors, build relationships with local groups and organisations, and ensure the centre remains a friendly, inclusive and welcoming place for everyone.
For so many people, Steph has become a familiar and friendly face, always ready with a warm welcome, a helping hand or a listening ear. Her contribution goes far beyond the day-to-day running of the centre, and her impact will be felt by the many people whose lives she has touched along the way.
On behalf of everyone involved with the centre, our volunteers, community groups and the many people who use and enjoy our facilities, we would like to say a heartfelt thank you for everything she has done over the past six years. She leaves behind a wonderful legacy and will be greatly missed by us all.
Looking Ahead
While we are sad to say goodbye to Steph, we are pleased to share that we have successfully recruited a new Centre Manager to take on the role.
We look forward to welcoming the new Centre Manager to the team and introducing them to our wonderful community in due course. We are excited about the next chapter for the centre and look forward to continuing to build on all that has been achieved.
In the meantime, we wish Steph every happiness and success in her new role at OCC, and thank her for six years of dedication, care and commitment to our community. She will be missed!