TRUST Winter 2014

MAGAZINE

baptistcare celebrates a new name and turning 70 banking for the financially strapped leaving an abusive relationship tackling domestic violence Winter Edition 2014 • www.baptistcare.org.au

Our Vision The trusted name in life-transforming care.

Our PURPOSE Transforming lives by expressing the love of Christ.

Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Values Responsive - We respond positively and thoughtfully to each other’s individual needs.

Empowering - We value the freedom that comes from an improved quality of life.

Supporting - We believe safety and security is our responsibility – a shared priority.

Personal Solutions We understand that no one-size-fits-all and we embrace this individuality.

Enriching - We ensure everyone’s personal and shared environments are comfortable, nurturing and positive places to be.

Communicating - We create open communication channels to build strong and mutually respectful relationships.

Togetherness - Through team work we actively support each other’s shared goals and respect each other’s individual journey.

Sign up for E-News www.baptistcare.org.au Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT Connect with us on LinkedIn “BaptistCare NSW & ACT” To advertise in Trust visit the Publications page at www.baptistcare.org.au BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

2014 is proving to be a year of great milestones; so far we have changed our name and have acquired a new retirement village at Narellan.

We are also embracing a round of legislative aged care industry reforms that will have big implications for Australia’s ageing population and allow consumers to have a greater say in their care arrangements.

Recently, thousands of staff, carers and clients came together at launch events around NSW and ACT to celebrate the launch of BaptistCare, a truly significant moment in the organisation’s 70 year history. We have spent a great deal of energy communicating the BaptistCare identity with our teams and the wider community. The excitement and energy around this change has been very encouraging.

We continue to offer important support services to the most vulnerable in our community.

On page 7 we look at BaptistCare’s microfinance scheme, in which small no interest loans can be the catalyst that turns a person’s financial life around.

Likewise, as major media attention is being rightly drawn to the epidemic of intimate partner violence, on page 15 we look at what needs to be changed so that women and children can feel safe enough to leave abusive relationships.

I hope that you find the stories in this edition of Trust interesting but more than that, I hope you read them as a call to action. Your support and partnership is a vital part of BaptistCare’s ongoing work.

Trust Editorial Team - Brendan Wood & Natalie Lammas This publication is printed on ecoStar 100% recycled paper.

Trust is the partners’ magazine produced by BaptistCare for its members, donors and supporters, clients, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and the wider community. Trust is distributed quarterly.

Inmates are particularly vulnerable as there are no distractions from ordinary prison life and there is so little to stimulate them on the inside, so self-absorption dominates. We hope that our stories, discussions, reflections and devotions encourage the inmates to become absorbed by ‘another’.

DOING TIME People in prison long for the simple joys.

One of BaptistCare’s chaplains at a medium security correctional centre recently observed one of the tougher inmates bend down, pick a flower and gently caress its leaf. He had not touched a flower in eight years.

Recidivism statistics are not heartening. For many, prison simply reinforces a criminal mindset. Despair, dysfunction and hopelessness are common features of life in Australian correctional centres. Having spent much time in conversation with our prison chaplains, I am convinced that one of the most effective ways to reform offenders is to treat prison as a spiritual intensive care ward and offer inmates what they so desperately long for… compassionate presence.

The following was an incident recently related to me by one of our chaplains: “An inmate requested to see me urgently. I sat with him in his pod, and he opened up about the circumstances he was facing but felt powerless to deal with.

He told me that his partner was

sexually abused following his incarceration. I phoned her only to discover that she was about to head for the beach ‘to swim out into the ocean and end it all’.

She was terribly upset. I quickly contacted her local Baptist pastor but unable to get hold of him, spoke to the church secretary requesting that she contact the girlfriend. She did and they talked, preventing what would surely have been a tragic outcome. It looks like she will be visiting the church soon.”

BaptistCare prison chaplains devote their days to men and woman who in the main, do not live in hope, whose daily currency is despair, hopelessness, anger, bitterness and not least of all, loneliness. This ministry can be challenging when being faced continuously with the pain and brokenness of individuals who are often victims themselves.

We too can easily be drawn into the longing to be ’somebody’. We all live in this tension between the ’not’ and the ‘am’ and it is Jesus who perfectly binds up this tension in himself and shows us the way through it.

We are seeing broken lives slowly being transformed by the presence of a loving God. Those living in prison are learning that choice is an option for them.

Many are being changed by new hope that ’what was’ doesn’t have to be ‘what will be’.

Some inmates are deeply humiliated by the extent of their crimes with their brutal effects upon the lives of many people, but as we walk among these men and women, we can see that correctional centres can actually be places where God is made joyful. In the Gospels, Jesus embraces the most broken of his society. As Jesus ate and laughed with sinners, so will we.

Trevor Wight

When we go into a prison BaptistCare Senior to offer care and support, Chaplain we do so in a theatre of tremendous contradictions.

Most inmates wish to be ‘somebody’, but live their daily lives with the reminder that they are ‘nobody’. Green – the colour of prison uniforms – is the colour of ’not’. On the other hand, these prisoners also have a strong urge to feel significant.

70 anniversary spotlight th

Opportunity shops: more than just goods

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Opportunity shops, or op shops, are a type of social enterprise often staffed by volunteers selling mainly used donated goods to supply low cost clothing, furniture and other items to the community.

It was during the Second World War that charity op shops became widespread to offer clothes and goods at reduced rates for those struggling financially with profits going back to fund community support programs.

The first BaptistCare op shops were opened in Sydney in 1961 and for many years were operated by volunteer members of the Ladies Auxiliary of the NSW Baptist Homes Trust, BaptistCare’s founding body. Outlets were eventually opened in Stanmore, Villawood, Petersham, West Ryde, and Lidcombe. In the early days, the op shops were a fundraising venture - places where people could buy good quality garments, accessories and other goods at cheap prices. Eventually however the stores supplied more than goods for sale - they also offered hospitality, built community and practiced social inclusion. Op shops in Crystal Street, Petersham and at the Port Kembla Community Centre (formally Darcy House) were later opened as a part of BaptistCare’s community services work.

People could come for a chat knowing that there was someone interested in them. Our staff and volunteers had frequent contact with people who were marginalised through poverty, abuse, addiction and other unfortunate circumstances that have brought hard times.

Shop workers always gave their time voluntarily, not only selling and helping the customers with

the choice for their needs, but also establishing relationships with regulars. BaptistCare’s op shops were places where people could be welcomed and acknowledged. Young mothers would come to the op shop to ‘show off’ their new babies to the volunteers, often in clothes that had previously been bought from them. Lonely people visited op shops as a social outlet. Others would visit to seek support when distressed over a current crisis in their lives.

BaptistCare’s op shops were places where people could be welcomed and acknowledged

When the Lidcombe op shop was being established, a woman walked in and realising that it was run by the Baptist church, explained to the shop staff that she “owed her life to the Baptist ladies at the Stanmore shop” who had helped her as a teenager when she was considering suicide. She then joined the team as an op shop volunteer.

The shops had a wide range of clients but sought in particular to identify and assist people who were socially and financially disadvantaged. Further discounts were given to customers

experiencing financial difficulties.

An ironing service was offered for people who needed to immediately wear the clothing they had purchased such as those who needed business wear to attend court hearings and job interviews.

A former op shop coordinator told the following story of a customer: “Jenny* arrived at the shop one morning with all her belongings in a small plastic bag and asked if she could have a change of clothes. She said that she had been sleeping in the stockyards but was asked to move on and was now sleeping at a railway station. Jenny was unkept, in need of clean clothes and appeared unwell.”

“It was a cold day and we thought she might be able to use a pillow and a blanket to keep warm.

We couldn’t do anything about her homelessness but we could try and keep her comfortable.

I caught up with Jenny further down the road and offered her some linen. She told me she was very nauseated, wanting to be sick and feeling dizzy. She asked if I could buy her some Mylanta tablets. She had a very heavy cold and was feeling awful. We went to the chemist together and I asked the chemist to talk to Jenny and dispense whatever was necessary to make her comfortable. Jenny came back to the office to have a cup of tea and take her medication. Following this, she came most days for a (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2014

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(70th Anniversary Spotlight continued) complete change of clothes and a cup of tea and a chat.”

“Months later I saw Jenny near the local railway station circled by a group of policemen. Jenny’s

been on a missing person’s list.

They said she had some medical concerns and asked if I could convince her to stay with them long enough for an ambulance to come and assess her. Jenny and I talked by ourselves and I asked

Our staff and volunteers had frequent contact with people who were marginalised through poverty, abuse, addiction and other unfortunate circumstances that have brought hard times. exchange with the police seemed defensive and agitated. I listened for a while and then I approached her and asked her if I could help.

She said she had passed out and since waking up was being harassed by the police. She asked if I would go with her to support her. The police asked me how I knew Jenny and they told me that she had

her to allow the police to help her and said if she needed anything else to come back to the shop.

She agreed to stay. I left her with them having agreed with Jenny

that she could follow up at the op shop during the week.”

“After that, Jenny found accommodation in a hostel in the city and continued to come into the shop for support.”

While the op shops have now closed, we remember them as spaces of welcome and hospitality, listening and inclusion, community and participation, generosity and celebration. They were places of opportunity where BaptistCare staff and volunteers could make a positive difference in the day to day experiences of people experiencing difficulty.

Where people were made to feel welcome and wanted. *Names have been changed

Small loans

protecting people from fringe lenders Unexpected expenses can come from anywhere: dentists, mechanics, telephone companies, and often at the worst times.

While most people would be familiar with pulling out a credit card to pay bills and worrying about the debt later, there are plenty who struggle to raise the extra cash needed for basic living expenses, let alone an emergency.

Recent research by the Centre for Social Impact and the National Australia Bank reveals that more than three million Australians are not able to access mainstream financial services and products such as bank loans, insurance and even bank accounts. People born overseas, indigenous people and those with only primary school level education are also the most

likely to be excluded from the kind of financial products many people would take for granted.

Those excluded from accessing small amounts of bank credit can often fall prey to pay-day lenders and pawnbrokers who exploit vulnerable customers with shortterm cash advances at exorbitant interest rates.

Lender fees vary, but $ 25 to $ 30 per $ 100 loan would be typical.

A loan could also attract an interest rate as high as 400 per cent on top of the loan fee. Some loan sharks also set a short two-week period to repay the loan before the borrower incurs more fees and more debt.

A few years ago, the Australian Securities & Investments Commission (ASIC) investigated the case of a predatory lender who was alleged to have loaned $ 300 to a disability pensioner on $ 671 a fortnight. The terms

By Natalie Lammas, BaptistCare Communications Coordinator of the loan required her to pay $ 476.62 within a fortnight, giving her less than $ 200 to live on for two weeks.

For some people suffering financial hardship, purchasing a fridge, washing machine or other essential household item is simply out of reach. For those who are financially desperate, going to a loan shark to meet ordinary living expenses can lead straight into spiralling debt they are unlikely to be able to escape as they take out successive loans to pay off the previous debts.

What is known as ‘microfinance’ is at the forefront of helping people who are find themselves in serious financial difficulty.

BaptistCare is the second largest provider of microfinance loans in the Australia and since 2007 has given out $ 2,028,399 through no interest loans and (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2014

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(Small Loans continued) $ 2,257,800 in low interest loans

since we first began. Our No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) and low interest loans (StepUP), all funded by the National Australia Bank, the Department of Social Services, and the NSW Office of Fair Trading who provide the loan capital, are a much safer alternative than pay-day lenders.

BaptistCare’s Scott Pilgrim says these small loans can end up making a huge difference.

“Relying on loan sharks shows just how precarious the situation for those on low incomes can be.”

“Many of the loan recipients who used fringe lenders in the past stopped borrowing from them after their NILS loan.”

eating, denied the family access to basic medical treatment, and prevented Anna from speaking her first language to the children.

His verbal abuse kept the family in fear of what he would do next.

The abuse continued on after their separation. The children now became an instrument of control as Anna’s partner withheld toys unless they attended contact visits.

Anna made an unusual no interest loan application through BaptistCare for a supply of Lego. Replacing the Lego so that the children had their own

hub where people can access the loans. But beyond that there’s a wide range of other holistic services - food support, housing support, general referral - a whole range of different services that stand alongside the client accessing the financial support.”

Evidence shows there is a critical need for financial counselling and financial literacy programs.

“Loan recipients who use our counselling and education services feel more financially literate and confident in managing their finances,” said Mr Pilgrim.

“Their living conditions improve, they have more contact with friends and family, and of feel more confident and less anxious generally.”

People excluded from accessing small amounts bank credit can often fall prey to pay-day lenders and pawnbrokers who exploit vulnerable customers with short-term cash advances at exorbitant interest rates.

BaptistCare also offers specialised loans for people transitioning out of homelessness, as well as loans that specifically help women and children escaping domestic violence to cover essential items they need to start a new life. Women may leave a violent and abusive relationship to start afresh in a new home but find they have no furniture, whitegoods or reliable transport. The no interest loans program allows women to decide for themselves what is essential in order to escape into a safe environment.

Anna* was referred to BaptistCare from a local women’s refuge after she left her partner following years of living in fear.

Her partner terrorised her and her children using control and isolation tactics. He had hidden cameras and listening devices installed, monitored Anna’s

toys at their mother’s house meant they were able to engage creatively and freely in an activity they loved, particularly for her youngest child who lived with autism and who used toys as a positive tool to express himself.

Anna’s children said they now felt safer and could have fun without ‘feeling bad anymore’.

Expanding the reach of affordable financial products is a high priority for BaptistCare and the aim is to enable clients to realise their own economic wellbeing and to feel in control of their own finances and lives.

Mr Pilgrim says it is important that people have access to small loans but also to holistic support.

“In Newcastle we have a financial

The impacts on BaptistCare’s clients show a high social return.

One loan recipient, upon purchasing a reliable car, found a part time job.

Another recipient said, “Now I have a bank loan I am just as good as anyone else.”

Can a small loan be a catalyst for turning someone’s financial world around? The evidence so far shows it can.

1 NAB CSI Measuring Financial Exclusion in Australia (2013).

2 BaptistCare’s microfinance loans are available in eleven locations, including Broken Hill, Dubbo, Wellington, Canberra, Warilla in the Illawarra, Sutherland, Newcastle, and specialised programs for women escaping domestic violence based in Macarthur, Tuggerah and Bankstown. BaptistCare also offers ‘Home Now’ in Newcastle for people transitioning to more secure accommodation. * Names and some details have been changed.

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BaptistCare launches with a bang Thousands of BaptistCare staff and local communities gathered across NSW and the ACT in March to celebrate the BaptistCare Brand Launch Day and 70th Anniversary and to acknowledge the remarkable work of all our teams and to recommit to deliver our new promise, Care you can trust.

As site managers gathered their teams to mark the occasion together, celebration cakes were served, branded materials delivered, new uniforms worn, and introductory videos shown.

BaptistCare CEO Ross Low, said, “this has been an exciting time

across the new BaptistCare and I am very much enjoying hearing stories of some of the creative ways that people chose to celebrate our 70th Anniversary and Brand Launch Day. From fashion parades and time capsules to the creation of works of art to commemorate the event, much

fun has been had.”

“My thanks goes to all our staff for their ongoing commitment and dedication to providing the outstanding care that is our heart,” said Mr Low. Here are just a few testimonials from the day:

“Good to see “The launch and 70th “I have never people mixing well celebration went very well. known there to be and a very positive People affirmed the name such universal upbeat feel from change as a strategic approval for all present.” priority and also the brand rebranding.”

“A very positive colours as being warm “The new uniforms look fantastic and vibe… impressed and friendly.” really gave a fresh with the look and lease of life to our feel of our whole facility.” new brand.”

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2014

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Channel 7’s Jason Hodges

opens Gracewood Community Garden 12

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In April, Better Homes and Gardens landscaper Jason Hodges officially opened the BaptistCare Gracewood Community garden designed and built by Mr Hodge’s team over a three week period.

Over 170 guests came to the event and all enjoyed muffins and a BBQ cooked by a group of residents.

Speaking at the event, Mr Hodges spoke warmly of Gracewood’s “great sense of community.”

“The units available here are great for retirement; you can go away and know that your home is safe and secure,” he said.

Mr Hodges took guests through his choice in design and plants

and told stories of his childhood and why he started gardening.

Mr Hodges spoke passionately about how a community garden can bring people together. He also chose a ‘Garden President’ from the residents to oversee happenings in the new space.

Following the opening, Mr Hodges spent another hour chatting with guests. He brought his dog Danny who clearly enjoyed the atmosphere and the attention.

Following the presentation guests were invited on tours around the facility headed up by residents and BaptistCare staff. For a significant number who attended, it was

their first time visiting and many said that they were impressed by the amenities and facilities that were on offer.

Many visitors stayed longer to chat with the current Gracewood residents while tucking into the residents’ BBQ as well as other tasty offerings of mini burgers, salads and desserts.

Reports from staff said that the village was buzzing, particularly in the courtyards where many tours were passing through and visitors had broken off into groups sitting on benches around the gardens chatting to residents. (continued next page)

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Plan your next property move

with a little help from a renowned expert

(Gracewood Garden Opening continued) “There was one group of visitors who had bonded during my tour who were sitting at the table joking about which apartment they should each get, and talking about the various card nights they could have and film nights,” said one BaptistCare staff member.

Mike Furner, BaptistCare’s General Manager Housing & Retirement Living, said the communal garden opening had helped to showcase the many benefits of BaptistCare’s retirement living options to the wider community.

“Gracewood is designed to appeal to active and engaged seniors which is why our community complex includes an indoor heated pool, spa, gym, café and library,” Mr Furner said.

If you are thinking of downsizing to a smaller home but not sure if the time is right, where to begin, or how much your home is worth – then join us at our next BaptistCare Gracewood Community event.

Andrew Winter, a senior property consultant and presenter of LifeStyle Channel’s most popular TV show, Selling Houses Australia, will be hosting a free Property Brunch on Wednesday June 18, 11am - 1pm.

Making the decision to sell your home and move elsewhere can be a daunting task. But with the Sydney property market booming, this may be the best 14

time to start planning your next move.

Andrew believes that if you haven’t sold your home within two months of putting it on the market then you are doing something wrong. He will provide practical tips on how to maximise the value of your home and answer any of your property questions.

If you haven’t seen Selling Houses Australia before, check it out on The LifeStyle Channel on Foxtel, or visit www.andrewwinter.com.au Bookings are essential so please be sure to RSVP by ringing 1800 116 550.

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“Our retirement village lifestyle is characterised by freedom, independence and community; removing all the hassles of regular home maintenance and offering a variety of aged care services, giving residents the best of all worlds.”

One, two and three bedroom apartments at the BaptistCare Gracewood Community are selling fast. For more information or to arrange your personal inspection call Maria Carew (Business Development Manager) on 1800 116 550 or visit thegracewoodcommunity.org.au

Breaking the silence Providing hope where there has been none

One woman dies every week in Australia at the hands of their current or former partner.

One a week.

Around seventy women die every year at the hands of a person they are meant to trust. In NSW, 42 per cent of all homicides are domestic and every three hours a woman is hospitalised due to domestic abuse. These chilling numbers are just the official statistics. Less than half of all abuse is actually reported.

Domestic violence (otherwise

known as “relationship” or “family” violence) takes many forms. It involves violent, abusive or intimidating behaviour carried out by a partner, carer or family member to control, dominate or instil fear. It can be physical, emotional, psychological, financial, or sexual. It can also affect anyone in the community regardless of gender, sexual orientation, age, ethnicity, religion, disability, economic status or location.

Gabby* is a 33 year old single mother of two young children who knows the reality of this all too well. Throughout her childhood, Gabby’s father

abused her and her mother.

Her upbringing was tragically to repeat itself when Gabby’s partner began to assault her and traumatise her small children.

Gabby found herself under constant threat at the hands of someone she loved. Desperate to escape the daily abuse and mind games Gabby and her children finally left, making the flight to safety, but now faced homelessness and the constant fear of being tracked down.

While domestic assaults continue to rise, attitudes against intimate partner violence sadly have (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2014

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(Breaking the Silence continued)

of her own.

not improved. Studies show Australians are more likely to excuse abusive behaviour in the home than twenty years ago, regarding temporary anger and yelling abuse as the norm while controlling money to punish a partner seen as not serious.

Maintaining a polite silence is still the accepted approach to couples having ’domestic issues’ because we consider what occurs in other people’s private lives has nothing to do with us. This is why BaptistCare joins the chorus of voices calling for family violence to be placed at the top of the national agenda, to lift the veil of secrecy currently shrouding domestic abuse and to ensure there is real support for victims and families.

In recent months, media coverage of high profile domestic violence cases has brought the issue of domestic violence to the fore.

The recent public focus has highlighted the needs of women and children seeking refuge

Gabby found her way to BaptistCare where she received support through education workshops, group and housing programs. Months on, Gabby is rebuilding her life. She has regained much of her lost self-confidence, her kids are doing well and she feels hopeful about her future. Gabby is now studying and has a rental property 16

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One woman dies every week in Australia at the hands of their current or former partner.

from abuse. Currently, underresourced services say they are struggling to cope with reports of large numbers of women seeking a place in refuges being turned away. The dual issues of homelessness and poverty experienced by women trying to escape an abusive partner often mean women return home to more physical and psychological

violence. Family violence will not decrease until we grapple with the complexity of how violence traps women and children into ongoing cycles of abuse.

“Women may be desperate to leave but may feel forced to endure the violence because of the lack of resources available to them. Escaping from violent partners takes courage and a great deal of resources — inner resources, financial resources, government resources, community resources,” said BaptistCare’s Cluster Manager Di Coleman.

“We need to put a significant amount of energy and resources into immediate and longer-term responses and provide enough domestic violence counselling, affordable housing and financial services to support women fleeing from harm if we are to make a real difference to this issue.”

BaptistCare continues to be very active in supporting individuals and families deal with the significant impact domestic violence has on lives. Through a variety of domestic violence programs and no interest loan

Yes, I want to support the ministry of BaptistCare.

My details (please print) Rev/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss (please circle) First name Surname Address Mobile Home Ph Work Ph DOB Email

schemes, we provide hope where there has been none.

“All of us should not turn a blind eye when we suspect that domestic and family violence could be happening to people we know. When abusive behaviour is kept hidden within the family home little can be done. But we can make a difference by speaking out and through advocating for increased funding and services for victims,” said Ms Coleman.

It is time to act on domestic violence. Help us make a genuine difference to the lives of women and children seeking safety. Many of BaptistCare’s vital domestic violence programs receive no government funding and rely on donations to continue. Donations can be made using the attached coupon, by phoning 1300 275 227 or by using our secure online donation form at www.baptistcare.org.au.

Thank you for being part of this vital work.

Statistics from Australian Institute of Criminology.

1

* Names and some details have been changed for privacy reasons.

My gift $500 – providing a child with 5 weeks of tutoring to help them catch

up on lost schooling $1,000 – providing 20 hours of intensive support for children $5,000 – 3 months of weekly on-site counselling support for women

and children

OR I would like to support BaptistCare with a single gift to assist vulnerable people.

of $ Payment details

I enclose my cheque/money order made payable to BaptistCare OR Please debit my credit card: Visa

Mastercard /

/

/

Name of Cardholder Expiry date Signature Please send more information: Regular donations Including BaptistCare in my will BaptistCare membership Volunteering Please return coupon to: BaptistCare PO Box 7626 Baulkham Hills NSW 2153 Donations of $2 and over are tax deductible Privacy statement 1. BaptistCare NSW & ACT will collect, hold and use your personal information in accordance with its privacy & collection statement and privacy policy, as updated from time to time.

2. By providing your personal information above, you agree to item 1.

BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525 NEWSWIN14

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Award winning volunteer keeps going strong

“With her gentle smile and reassuring support, Jean makes everyone feel good about themselves,” David said. and created a volunteer support network giving advice from her vast experience on how to be an effective volunteer.

“With her gentle smile and reassuring support, Jean makes everyone feel good about themselves,” David said.

Many new clients have gone on to become Jean’s lifelong friends.

Clockwise from left: Jean with her award, Jean with Auburn Mayor and BaptistCare staff member, Jean at the award ceremony.

A wonderful passion for volunteering was rewarded earlier this year when Auburn Mayor Ned Attie presented a Seniors Week Award to 90 year old BaptistCare volunteer Jean Armstrong.

Jean has worked tirelessly as a volunteer supporting the elderly and people with disabilities over the past 25 years and was delighted to receive the award.

She has helped hundreds of local people in multicultural Auburn and surrounds to stay in their own home for longer.

“Jean has supported our aged 18

TRUST Winter 2014 | www.baptistcare.org.au

and disability clients every Thursday on our shopping bus, helping so many seniors keep their independence,” said David Somers, BaptistCare Community Transport Facilitator.

“Jean collects the money and writes out the receipts while volunteering on our shopping bus. On many occasions Jean has gone out of her way to welcome any new clients who have joined our service.”

Jean has also recruited many new volunteers from many different cultural backgrounds to join BaptistCare’s volunteer base

In 2001, Jean won the Review Community Thankyou award for her work preparing Meals on Wheels and for visiting the aged at hospitals and nursing homes.

Back in 2001 she said she would keep volunteering “as long as her legs could carry her.” It seems Jean has plenty of miles left in those legs!

We thank Jean for her contagious passion for volunteering and congratulate her on an award well deserved.

Volunteers are needed right now in Residential Services, Home Services, Housing andRetirement Living, and Community Services.

Take a look at some volunteer opportunities on the next page or visit www.baptistcare.org.au and just click on the ‘Volunteer’ link for more details.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

BaptistCare Hayfield Court - Carlingford

BaptistCare Orana Centre – Point Clare

BaptistCare Warabrook Centre

Shop Assistant A shop assistant is required to serve in a small shop for our residents who can’t physically go to the shops. A volunteer is needed to open and close the shop, serve customers and handle cash. Opening hours are 9am 2pm on Tuesdays and Fridays.

Activities Assistants Volunteers are needed to assist residents with art/craft sessions or games such as bingo, bowling, card games in the morning or afternoon.

Entertainers / Musicians Volunteers are needed to provide musical entertainment such as concerts and sing-a-longs.

Days and times are flexible.

Please contact Eira on 8832 2033 for more information

Companion and Social Activity and Shopping Assistants Volunteers are needed to provide transport, companionship and support to residents wishing to go on outings. Time commitment is 2 hours weekly or fortnightly.

Current driver’s license and own

High Care Activities Assistant Volunteers are needed to help run small recreational activities with high care residents.

Coffee and Conversation Volunteer Volunteer conversationalists make a huge difference to our residents. Time commitment is minimum one hour per week.

Bus Driver A licensed bus driver is needed to take residents to day outings.

Please contact Di on 4903 6830 for more information

BaptistCare Community Centre - Mayfield Community Centre Volunteer Volunteers are required to assist in serving meals, tea and coffee, and chatting with drop in clients.

Time commitment is 2 - 4 hours per week.

Please ring the Centre on 4032 5288 for more information.

Be the change you want to see vehicle (with comprehensive insurance) are a requirement of this role.

Please contact Amy on 4337 5448 for more information

BaptistCare Home Services Hills District Kellyville Companion, Social Activity and Shopping Assistants Volunteers are needed to provide transport, companionship and support to isolated and/or housebound aged, frail aged and younger people with a disability.

Time commitment is 2 hours weekly/fortnightly. A NSW driver’s license and own vehicle (with comprehensive insurance) are a requirement of this role.

Please contact Agnes on 8804 4700 for more information.

For more volunteer opportunities, just visit www.baptistcare.org.au www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2014

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Our name has changed but our care remains the same BaptistCare – transforming lives by expressing the love of Christ.

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