Welcome to the latest edition of Our People, Our Stories.
Welcome to the latest edition of Our People, Our Stories, where we celebrate the strength, resilience and generosity found across Anglicare Victoria’s community.
In this issue, you’ll meet Val, a former client of the St Peter’s breakfast program. At a recent morning tea, Val bravely shared his journey—from addiction to recovery—and how our services helped him rebuild his life with purpose and hope.
You’ll also be introduced to Max, who spent his childhood at the St Nicholas Boy’s Home in Glenroy, part of our predecessor organisation, the Mission of St James and St John. Now in his later years, Max has chosen to leave a gift in his Will to Anglicare Victoria, ensuring that future generations of children and young people receive the same care and support he once did.
We also shine a light on the generosity of others: the Junior School boys at Scotch College, who assembled Christmas hampers for families in need, and the team at Nana Huchy a Melbourne boutique, who donated 450 soft toys, to bring comfort and joy to children supported through our programs.
These stories are a powerful reminder of the impact your support makes every day. Thank you for helping us create brighter futures for children, young people and families across Victoria.
Paul McDonald CEO Anglicare Victoria
Education
Getting Evie on track
When Evie*, 13, was referred to Anglicare Victoria’s TEACHaR program, she was over a year behind in both English and mathematics and was experiencing mental health problems that impeded her ability to attend school regularly. She had a history of trauma and found the transition from primary to secondary school particularly challenging. This meant she was only able cope in the classroom for a few hours each day and struggled to keep up with her peers.
“I love the fact that I can be proud of my work and achieve my learning goals.” Evie, TEACHaR participant
The school attempted to assist, but it became clear that Evie required greater flexibility and support than they could offer. As a result, Evie was enrolled in a new school and began working with Nikita*, an Anglicare Victoria’s TEACHaR Education Specialists. Initially, Evie was not very enthusiastic about her lessons, so Nikita, utilized games and brain breaks to motivate her to engage in learning and build her capacity for school work.
Additionally, Nikita provided support as Evie learned how to use public transport to travel to her new school.
After 10 weeks, Evie’s understanding of mathematics and writing has improved.
She is catching up with her peers and with the right support, demonstrating her ability to achieve in the classroom. Evie is attending school full time, and is participating in all her classes. She is making new friends, and loves getting the train to school each morning.
“Meeting Nikita has honestly changed my learning,” said Evie. “She listens and is supportive.”
Thanks to our donors’ generosity, Anglicare Victoria’s Education Specialists are able to support hundreds of young learners to thrive in the classroom.
Hampers filled with heart:
A Christmas gift from Scotch College
Scotch College has long supported Anglicare Victoria’s Toy Appeal—but last Christmas, their Junior School students took their generosity a step further. After hearing from Penny Mitchell at a school assembly about the tough choices families face during the holidays, the students were inspired to act.
Shifting their focus from toys to food, the school rallied behind our Gippsland
“Every student wanted to help,” said Amy Rogers, Head of Junior School Library. “There was so much food, and the boys loved being involved!”
Christmas Hamper Appeal. Students led the charge—organising a donation drive, collecting festive pantry staples, and hosting their own on-campus packing day. Some families brought more than they could carry!
With help from staff, parents, and friends, the students packed nearly 100 hampers— each topped with a handmade card or drawing. The students took charge and even calculated how to pack boxes efficiently for safe delivery to Gippsland.
From food and toy drives to student-led fundraising and awareness campaigns, schools can make a real difference in the lives of vulnerable families.
Partnering with Anglicare Victoria offers students hands-on learning with realworld impact—and a chance to lead with heart.
Let’s work together to inspire the next generation of changemakers.
Would you like to make an impact on your local community like Scotch College?
Penny Mitchell, our Relationship Manager School Partnerships would love to hear from you and develop a plan for your school to support Anglicare Victoria.
We need: Christmas Food Hampers Registration for food collections for Winter
Toys for Christmas time
Penny can be contacted on 0447 174 261 or via email at partnerships@anglicarevic.org.au
A helping hand in their darkest time
When Nyak* walked through the doors of Anglicare Victoria’s Emergency Relief service, her world had been turned upside down.
Her 15-year-old son, Jamal*, suffered a stroke during a school sporting match. He’d been in a coma for four weeks and remained in hospital for several months. The stroke left him paralysed on the right side of his body—he lost all feeling and function in his right hand and leg. Life as they knew it had changed in an instant.
Both Nyak and her husband had been working full-time, but Jamal’s need for round-the-clock care meant they had to stop working. Their savings were quickly dwindling, and they were overwhelmed— unsure of what support was available or how to access it.
“Thankfully, the hospital staff knew about our emergency relief service,” said Suzanne, who coordinates Anglicare Victoria’s emergency relief program in Melbourne. “They referred Nyak to us, and we were able to step in quickly.”
Anglicare Victoria provided Nyak with grocery and petrol vouchers, food
hampers, and—perhaps most importantly— guidance. Suzanne helped Nyak apply for carers and family payments, giving the family a financial lifeline while Jamal continued his long road to recovery.
Today, while the journey is far from over, Nyak and her family are no longer facing it alone. They have the support they need to focus on what matters most—healing, hope, and being together.
Last year, thousands of people like Nyak turned to Anglicare Victoria’s emergency relief centres for help. Thanks to the generosity of our donors and volunteers, families in crisis can access food, essentials, and the compassionate support they need—right when they need it most.
“Our services make a practical and tangible difference for family’s like Nyak’s” – Suzanne, Emergency Relief Co-ordinator “We see the relief on people’s faces when they know their kids will eat tonight.”
Soft toys, big impact: Nana Huchy’s heartfelt partnership
Last Christmas, Lucy Nicholls, founder of Melbourne-based soft toy company Nana Huchy, reached out with a generous offer: 200 Bella bunnies, 200 dolls, and 50 baby rattles for children in Anglicare Victoria’s care. Inspired by her sons’ school, Brighton Grammar—a long-time supporter of our Toy Appeal—Lucy wanted to do more. And she did. These beautiful toys are now helping frontline workers like Tamara Bellamy in our Therapeutic Foster Care Program ease anxiety, build trust, and support healing through play. “Playing together brings us into the young person’s world,” Tamara shared.
The bunnies are also used in parenting after violence groups, where mothers use them in calming exercises before gifting them to their children. “Just cuddling those bunnies helps with relaxation—they are so lovely.”
Lucy also added Anglicare Victoria to Nana Huchy’s online checkout, inviting customers to donate while shopping— turning every purchase into a chance to give back.
This partnership brought more than toys. It brought comfort, connection, and calm to children and families who need it most.
Whether it’s through product donations, fundraising, or workplace giving, your business can help transform lives. Partner with us and see how your impact can go far beyond the boardroom.
Would your business like to partner with Anglicare Victoria?
Penny Mitchell, our Partnerships Relationship Manager, would love to hear from you and develop a plan with your team to collaborate with Anglicare Victoria throughout the year.
NB: Volunteering opportunities are available every week of the year but can only accommodate small numbers of people at any one time. Talk to Penny about all ways you can support our programs. Penny can be contacted on 0447 174 261 or via email at partnerships@anglicarevic.org.au.
Safety and security for James’ future
Fostering better tomorrows
At 17, James* was nearing a major life transition—one that most young people face as they prepare to leave care and step into independence. But for James, who lives with significant disabilities, the path forward wasn’t so simple. Independent living wasn’t a safe or viable option, and the only alternative seemed to be moving into disability accommodation—away from the only family he had ever truly known.
“James has a beautiful, secure attachment with his carers,” said Melissa, a team leader in Anglicare Victoria’s out-of-home care team. “They love him deeply and wanted to keep supporting him. But their circumstances had changed and with a baby on the way, their home just didn’t have the space.”
Determined to find a solution that would preserve James’s sense of belonging, Melissa and her team advocated for something bold: a custom-built granny flat in the carers’ backyard. This would give James the independence and dignity of his own space, while keeping him close to the people who had become his family.
“Young people like James need more than just a roof over their heads,” Melissa said. “They need love, stability, and someone in their corner.”
Today, James is thriving. He has a space to call his own, but he’s never alone. He shares meals, laughter, and everyday moments with the family he loves. He feels safe, supported, and seen. And with that foundation, James is building a future full of promise.
“Our goal is not for these young people to merely survive—we want them to thrive,” Melissa said. “That’s what we’re all working towards, day in and day out.”
“I’m so grateful to all our carers. Honestly, they are absolute heroes”
– Melissa, Out-of-Home Care Team Leader
A Legacy of gratitude: Max’s story
With his signature bow tie and a grin that never faded, Max McLeod embodied resilience, warmth, and gratitude. His journey with Anglicare Victoria began just 23 days after his birth, when he was placed in the Arms of Jesus Babies Home. From there, he grew up in various care homes, most notably St Nicholas’ Boys’ Home in Glenroy.
“It was very good,” Max recalled. “I was brought up well, and I got a lot of friends out of the home that I’ve kept in contact with.”
Despite the hardships—he once wore a sugar bag as trousers—Max’s memories are filled with joy and appreciation. “I was always happy and had nothing I could complain about,” he said. “The staff were all good to me, always. I can’t speak highly enough of them.”
Max’s story is a powerful reminder of the lifelong impact Anglicare Victoria has on children and families in need. A gift in your Will is a legacy of compassion. Ensuring that vulnerable children, like Max once was, receive the care, stability, and opportunities they deserve.
In a final, heartfelt gesture, Max chose to leave a gift in his Will to Anglicare Victoria. “They looked after me,” he said simply. “It’s in your hands what you do with it.”
A gift in your Will of just 1% has the potential to support and empower generations
A new start for Depinder
Empowering Families
When Depinder* arrived in Australia with her three children—aged two, 11, and 18, she carried more than just their belongings. She carried the weight of trauma, fear, and uncertainty. Fleeing family violence in her home country, she found herself in a new country, waiting for her visa to be approved, unable to speak much English, and unsure how to begin again.
That’s when she met Wendy, a Family Services Practitioner at Anglicare Victoria.
“Depinder and her kids had all experienced devastating trauma,” Wendy recalled.
“There were serious concerns for their mental health, and the development of the two younger children was at risk.”
Wendy became a lifeline. She helped Depinder apply for family payments, enrol her toddler in childcare, and access NDIS support. She connected her with a specialised legal service and arranged emergency food relief when the family had nothing left.
In Wendy, Depinder found hope!
Today, Depinder is building a new life with strength and dignity. She’s learning English, has secured a job, and is filled with confidence about the future. Her 11-yearold is ready to start high school with all the resources she needs, and her youngest is thriving in kindergarten—safe, happy, and full of potential.
After everything they’ve endured, Depinder and her children are no longer just surviving—they’re flourishing.
Anglicare Victoria’s family services practitioners walk alongside families like Depinder’s every day, helping them navigate hardship and rebuild their lives with courage and connection.
Thanks to the generosity of our supporters, families in crisis can access food relief, care packages, legal advocacy, and the compassionate support they need to heal and thrive.
“The transformation this family has been through is incredible. Humour and having fun is now a big part of their family dynamic, it’s remarkable!”
– Wendy, Family Services Case Practitioner
Faith in Action: 90 minutes of safety and stability
At a recent morning tea hosted by the St Peter’s Eastern Hill Charitable Foundation, parishioners and guests were given a powerful glimpse into the impact of Anglicare Victoria’s homelessness services. The event, themed ‘90 Minutes of Safety’, highlighted how our daily breakfast services at St Peter’s Eastern Hill and day programs at St Mark’s Fitzroy, offer dignity, connection, and a moment of calm for people doing it tough.
Each week, over 550 hot breakfasts are served by volunteers who create a welcoming space for those experiencing homelessness. Andrew, a long-time volunteer, spoke about the deep sense of purpose that comes from serving others.
Former client Val Fernandez shared his moving story of transformation—from walking in for a free breakfast to becoming a volunteer himself.
“I always felt welcome, not judged,” he said. “Without these services, I wouldn’t be alive today.”
Thanks to the support of parishes like St Peter’s, and the generosity of the Foundation, Anglicare Victoria can provide meals, hope and healing.
From fundraising and volunteering to hosting events or supporting local outreach, parishes are vital partners in our mission. Together, we can offer safety, compassion, and long-term support to those who need it most – one breakfast at a time.
“We don’t just provide a meal; we provide a space where people can feel safe.” – Andrew, long-time volunteer at St Peter’s breakfast program.
Scan the QR code to hear more of Val’s story.
We’re here to help.
If your parish would like to raise funds or have an event to support Anglicare Victoria, please call us on 03 9412 6194 or email giving@anglicarevic.org.au
A magical Christmas for our most vulnerable kids
After a few years of volunteering with Anglicare Victoria, last Christmas marked Cathy’s first time helping with the Toy Appeal—and it left a lasting impression. Alongside her dog Ruby, Cathy joined the team at our Toy Store, a warehouse brimming with donated gifts ready to bring joy to children across the state.
“It was fantastic to meet the case workers from all over Victoria,” Cathy shared. “Some had lists of 100 children, but they still knew what each child would love. It was incredible!”
Thanks to generous donations, the Toy Store was filled with LEGO, puzzles, games, and more. But Cathy also noticed where support was still needed: “We had so many wonderful things, but wanted more sporting gear and gifts for teenage boys.”
Last year, our Toy Appeal delivered over 10,000 toys and gift vouchers to children and families doing it tough. But behind every gift is a volunteer like Cathy— someone who gives their time to make Christmas brighter for others.
Volunteering with Anglicare Victoria is about lending a hand and being part of something bigger. Whether it’s packing gifts, supporting events, or helping in your local community, your time can bring hope, joy, and connection to those who need it most.
Ready to make a difference? We’d love to welcome you to the team.
“It’s so rewarding, and it really opens your mind up to how many people out there need support” – Cathy, Toy Store volunteer
Find out how you can get involved by emailing toys@anglicarevic.org.au or calling our hotline on 03 9412 6194.
Get Involved for Better Tomorrows
In order to provide a range of support services to help disadvantaged Victorians to rise above their difficulties, we rely on the generosity of compassionate donors like you.
Thanks to the various skills, efforts and donations of our volunteers and supporters, we’re able to make significant change in the lives of vulnerable Victorians.
Your support really makes a difference.
Scan the QR code to find out how you can get involved and lend your support.
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