TRUST Spring 2014

MAGAZINE

THE GRACEWOOD WINS SENIORS’ LIVING AWARD MOBILISING A CARE FORCE GOING THE DISTANCE IN WINDALE Spring 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” Phone: 1300 275 227 To advertise in Trust visit the Publications page at www.baptistcare.org.au BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

It is now nine months since BaptistCare changed our name and our brand to reflect what we are truly passionate about; life transforming care.

I have been delighted by the positive response we have received.

to the Hunter community through the centre’s dedicated team of employees and volunteers.

It is pleasing to see our organisation being embraced, 70 years on from its inception, by an extensive community of people who are contributing to the care and services provided

by BaptistCare. I thank you for your involvement so far, and I look forward to what the rest of 2014 will bring us.

One of these projects has involved mobilising a key group of BaptistCare employees, providing them with home offices and technology to enable them to carry out their roles efficiently while giving the best possible care to our clients. You can read about this on page 6.

Our newest community centre in Windale is now providing a range of integrated support services to people living in disadvantage or distress in the Newcastle area, which you can read about on page 4. The centre was recently opened by the Mayor of Lake Macquarie City Council, Cr Jodie Harrison and I am confident we will continue to make a difference

I am confident that this edition of TRUST will bring you hope and excitement for the work being carried out by BaptistCare, and we thank you again for being on this journey with us.

As I mentioned in the last edition of TRUST, while the aged care industry undergoes significant transformation BaptistCare is responding by undertaking a range of strategic projects to ensure we are equipped for the future.

Trust Editorial Team - Elizabeth Byrne & Brendan Wood 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.

Love conquers all?

Trevor Wight BaptistCare Senior Chaplain

Love conquers all!

Does it? Well I think it depends upon what kind of love we are talking about.

If we are talking about a ‘selfish’ love, where we only love those who we get on with, or those who do the right thing by us, where we ‘feel the love’ and at some later point can simply ‘fall out of love’, then this kind of love will not conquer all. It will not last.

When the bible talks about love and declares that God is ‘love’ it is not talking about conditional love as described above, but ‘unconditional love’.

God is so other centred, because ‘love’ is so central to God’s character.

God showed how much he loved us by sending his one and only Son (Jesus) into the world so that we might have eternal life through him.

This is real love—not that we loved God, but that he loved us and sent his Son as a sacrifice to take away our sins. 1 John 4:9-10 Recently we witnessed the horrific loss of almost 300 people on the Malaysian flight MH17.

This was not an act of love. And yet out of the tragedy we see

witness to the power of love.

Perth parents Anthony Maslin and Rin Norris lost their three children in this tragedy. This is an excerpt from their press release dated 23 July 2014.

“No one deserves what we are going through.

Not even the people who shot our whole family out of the sky.

No hate in the world is as strong as the love we have for our children, for Mo, for Evie, for Otis.

No hate in the world is as strong as the love we have for Grandad Nick.

No hate in the world is as strong as the love we have for each other.

This is a revelation that gives us some comfort.”

This is the kind of unconditional love the bible exhorts us to display; “You have heard that it was said, ‘Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.’ But I tell you, love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you”Matthew 5:43 – 44 How do we demonstrate the power of ‘all conquering’ love to people that we might not normally cross paths with? Who are the people that Jesus would

have us ‘cross the road for’ and be a ‘good neighbour to’?

Let me end with a story from one of our Chaplains.

“I had the privilege of visiting a Muslim lady last week. She is a quadriplegic as a result of a bad fall. I felt a real connection with her. We spoke in Arabic; I was able to talk a little about God and Christianity. It was wonderful to be able to tell her that we could have a relationship as friends without allowing religion to divide us.

She was so responsive and talked about how, when she lived in the Middle East, her greatest friends were Christians and they would celebrate Christmas and Ramadan together, respecting and loving each other I’m so blessed that God has opened an opportunity to meet these people that God loves so much.”

Going The Distance In A Community Of Disadvantage

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As Dave and his two young daughters enjoy some lunch at the new BaptistCare Community Centre Windale, he begins to share some of his story.

Life’s been hard of late and he’s not sure what the future will bring. But one thing’s for sure; Dave wants the best for his two little girls who sit smiling with tomato sauce smudged across their faces.

Dave is a single parent. He’s unemployed and his finances are stretched. He has friends, but limited support networks.

As he leaves the Centre, on the first day of its opening to the public, he says he will be back.

The new Centre, which has opened in the suburb’s small shopping strip, is aimed at making a real difference in the lives of people like Dave and his daughters.

According to Australian Bureau of Statistics figures, Windale, located in the city of Lake Macquarie, is the eleventh most disadvantaged community in NSW. Predominantly a public housing suburb, household income is half the national average, with unemployment three times the national figure. More than 42% of

families are single-parent units.

BaptistCare Group Manager North West Operations, Scott Pilgrim, says Windale is the right place for the organisation to open a new centre.

“We have a history of entering into local communities of disadvantage and playing a vital role in enhancing community and individual wellbeing and capacity.”

The community centre provides a safe and welcoming space where people can drop iN

“It’s been our journey in other high-need areas like Warilla, Port Kembla and Mayfield, and it’s exciting to now have the opportunity to expand our services in Windale,” Mr Pilgrim said.

BaptistCare commenced services in Windale in 2009, opening a small store offering affordable groceries to low-income clients.

In June this year the doors opened on a new, large and bright food support store, adjacent to the new community space that opened a month later.

The Community Centre provides a safe and welcoming space where people can drop in for free tea and coffee and a free healthy breakfast. Other services include a free internet kiosk, access to microfinance loans services (NILS and StepUp), provision of food care packs, cooking classes, crisis and emergency support, client case management and referrals to specialist services. There are also two community meeting spaces that will be available for other organisations to utilise.

“We know to make a real difference in a place like Windale we need to be here for the long haul,” Mr Pilgrim said.

“Our team will be working hard to build relationships and trust and actively engage in the local community, identifying specific needs with compassionate, innovative responses.”

“We want the Centre to be a place that the likes of Dave and his daughters will practically benefit from, as our team has the privilege of demonstrating the love of Jesus and supporting others experience of greater independence, security and choice.” www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2014

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Mobilising A Care Force Australia’s ageing population is increasingly seeking care services delivered to their homes.

The Government’s latest aged care reforms, Living Longer Living Better, acknowledges that over 1 million people receive aged care services, with over half receiving their care and support in their own homes.

satisfaction, as well as reducing overhead costs for the organisation.

Care Facilitators play an instrumental role in BaptistCare’s service delivery model. They drive the process that ensures clients fulfill their personal goals of wellbeing and independent living, while supporting, guiding

Simultaneously, how, when and where we work has changed considerably for many Australians since the desk bound, office only days of 9am to 5pm.

Responding to this unique set of circumstances, BaptistCare has implemented a Home Services Transition Project, with the first and successful stage, the mobilisation of Care Facilitator staff, already having a remarkable impact on the quantity and quality of client care and employee job

Touchscreen computers have allowed staff to accept electronic signatures and complete forms while in the client’s home; a significant and interactive move that allows clients to participate in the direction of their care services more than ever before.

“The mobilisation and remote access to technology gives me a professional edge; allowing me to spend more quality time with my clients, work more efficiently and be better connected with my work.”

This new world of aged care also brings with it the ability for clients to choose and control the care and services they require.

The access and availability of technology coupled with flexible workplace practices have allowed employees to set up their offices almost anywhere, as ‘telework’ has become less of a buzzword and more of a reality.

smart phones with access to their email, calendars and the Internet.

Gaye and supervising frontline staff who deliver care and services to clients.

Mobilising this group of employees has been a significant assignment, involving relocating staff to home-based offices and empowering them with the latest technology.

Care Facilitators are now equipped with mobile touchscreen computers to access the BaptistCare network and client information, as well as

Paperwork is being phased out, and the time Care Facilitators spend completing documentation has fallen by more than 10%.

Most importantly, being mobile and technologically enabled has also allowed Care Facilitators to double the amount of time they spend with clients in their homes.

Gaye, a Care Facilitator for BaptistCare Home Services – Northern Sydney wouldn’t go back. (continued next page)

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(continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2014

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(Mobilising A Care Force continued) “Previously, I was filling in forms, paper to pen, with clients, and then spending twice or sometimes more time in front of the computer, transferring that information into the system, and then typing up a care plan,” said Gaye.

“With the technology available to me now, I am able to complete all of the required forms and even develop and finalise a client’s care plan with the client while I am in their home.”

“This is a win-win situation for my productivity levels and efficiency,

“Our employees are telling us this is working. They’re commenting on the significant reduction in commuting to the office, a quieter and more productive work environment and the ability to stay connected with clients through technology,” said Annette.

“Change hasn’t necessarily been easy for all of our staff. Some of our staff have been working within an office environment for the majority of their professional lives, and making the jump to a home office with new technology was unknown and daunting,” she said.

“One of the best benefits of working in a home office is that commuting involves no more than a few steps to the study/home office and that leaves more time for productivity.”

Mobilisation doesn’t mean isolation however. Team work is essential for Care Facilitators, so weekly get-togethers are scheduled to allow staff to connect with their colleagues, share information and receive professional development.

Annette Hili, General Manager for Home Services, has been impressed by the way staff have embraced such significant changes.

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“Mobile phones and email allow me to interact with my clients and families at any time of the day or night. You can more easily accommodate clients and carers around working hours.”

Annette believes these changes are critical for the future of BaptistCare and ultimately, the care of its clients.

“We are now prepared for the changes within our sector and have built a strong foundation for the future of BaptistCare, where we will be competitively operating in a consumer-driven environment with every other aged care provider,” she said.

“It has been an exciting year of learning, growth, and very significant changes. The team is looking forward to the next year where we will be able to implement even more of our learning and enable care staff to be even more focused on the delivery of care you can trust.”

Christine

as well as the quality time spent with my clients as together we develop enabling and inclusive care plans.”

or first thing in the morning,” she said.

“But our staff are committed, engaged, and professional. They have risen to the challenge of embracing these changes.

Their feedback throughout this process has helped us to ensure we really are going about this in the right way.”

Care Facilitator Christine, from Baptist Care Home Services – Northern Sydney, was particularly nervous about adopting an entirely new way of working.

“I now enjoy working from a home-based office. It allows flexibility of working hours, such as being able to work at night

This year, seven Home Services centres have mobilised, with over 50 Care Facilitator staff that were previously office-based now using the latest technology and establishing home-based offices.

By the end of January 2015, over 100 Care Facilitators and 20 sites will be mobilised.

Further enhancements to BaptistCare’s system of home care will also include a centralised intake and client engagement model, enhanced rostering, caseload review and enabling our frontline staff with appropriate technology to ensure they are supported to provide the best possible care.

Dementia special Australia’s ageing population, the increasing prevalence of dementia, and the proportion of older Australians from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds presents a very real challenge to our society; one that BaptistCare is taking seriously.

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BaptistCare is committed to responding to the current and emerging needs of Australian seniors, with a strategic focus on enhancing the organisation’s current dementia care capabilities and in the future, establishing a Centre of Dementia Excellence.

As BaptistCare keeps abreast of this ongoing situation it has recently developed a range of innovative care programs, specifically targeting carers of people living with dementia, and the wider community of service providers.

Caring for a child, and a Loved one

Year 2011

266,574

Year 2030

Year 2050

553,285

942,624

It is estimated there were 266,574 people with dementia in Australia in 2011. This number is projected to increase to 553,285 people by 2030, and 942,624 people by 2050.

1 Dementia Across Australia: 2011-2050 A report prepared by Deloitte Access Economics, September 2011, http://www.fightdementia.org.au/common/files/NAT/20111014_Nat_ Access_DemAcrossAust.pdf

Imagine having a new born baby, or a toddler, or both, and being the carer of someone living with younger onset dementia.

These parents face unique challenges as they learn to become parents while simultaneously caring for their loved one with dementia, often from within their family home.

There are currently no services that provide understanding and targeted support to these carers, and as a result, BaptistCare, in partnership with the Alzheimer’s Australia NSW Younger Onset Dementia Keyworker program, will be offering a support group experience for these carers during Dementia Awareness Month.

The Play and Chat group will celebrate the roles of these special parents, offer social interaction, provide support and understanding, and determine what further support carers in this situation will need.

A child safe venue has been chosen so parents can bring their children, relax and enjoy the day and a Dementia Carer Coach and Younger Onset Keyworkers will be available to provide support, information and guidance.

Younger onset dementia or early onset dementia is

defined by Alzheimer’s Australia as dementia which first emerges before a person reaches the age of 65, occurring in someone’s 50s, 40s or even 30s.

The Play and Chat group will take place on Tuesday 30 September between 12 and 2pm, in Castle Hill, Sydney.

If you know someone who could benefit from this event, or would like more information, please contact BaptistCare by 26 September on 1300 275 227 or ask@baptistcare.org.au

From Strength to Strength BaptistCare’s ground breaking Stronger Carers program has equipped 187 carers over the past 12 months to obtain support and life balance in their unique role as a carer of someone living with dementia.

The home-coaching program uses a psycho-educational approach to build carer resilience and skills specifically within the carer’s situation.

The ultimate aim is to improve carer wellbeing, however the program is also assisting to reduce reliance on services and where appropriate, provide support where the transition to residential aged care services is needed.

“This is a very practical program,” said Marleina Fahey, Dementia Consultant & Project Manager.

“The program equips carers with the skills, tools and confidence to care for their family member who is exhibiting behavioural and psychological symptoms of dementia. And we are looking after the carer, helping them to manage their own stress, fatigue and life balance,” she said.

BaptistCare Dementia Carer Coaches spend time with each carer, and based on their identified unique needs, develop

coaching and caring skills, relaxation and stress management coaching.

Participants also have the opportunity to socialise and make new friends with other carers and care recipients through ‘Care for a Cuppa Cafés’.

The dementia cafe get-togethers give participants a chance to go out, make new friends, and find support in an informal setting.

Evaluation of the project by Alzheimer’s Australia shows that the program is reducing carer depression, stress and anxiety (76% carers), improving confidence in caring and using services (80% carers) and improving life changes as a result of caregiving (84% carers).

The program will run until March 2015.

For more information, please contact Marleina Fahey at mfahey@baptistcare.org.au or (02) 9023 2708. (continued next page)

Operating in metropolitan Sydney, the free six to ten week program is targeted and personalised for carers and funded by the Australian Government Department of Social Services under the Aged Care Service Improvement and Healthy Ageing Grants Fund.

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(Dementia Special continued) Carers need care too, and these program participants have reported receiving just that.

“I’m feeling much calmer and able to deal with difficult situations with mum in a more relaxed and positive way. Realising how confused a person with dementia feels was the turn-around point for me. I no longer get frustrated and angry and know that Mum can’t change and I have learned to adapt my way of thinking and dealing with life day to day. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this program.”

“Thank you also for your time, compassion, wisdom and patience … I felt far more settled after our conversation and you left me with some wise words of advice. You and your team are doing such important work…”

“I felt very humbled to realise that this program was to help me, when everything else has been focused on (my husband)! I was very impressed with (my coach). I found her to be very kind, caring and helpful.

Nothing was too much trouble for her.”

BaptistCare Hosts Dementia Forum Highlighting Diversity Christine Bryden, diagnosed with dementia at the age of 46 and now an advocate for people with dementia, will speak to more than 140 delegates at BaptistCare’s Dementia and Diversity Forum this September.

The one-day forum, held on Tuesday 23 September 2014 in Sydney’s north-west, will give service providers working in home care, residential and acute settings the opportunity to hear from industry leading experts and people living with and experiencing dementia in the community.

Keynote speaker Christine Bryden was diagnosed with dementia in 1995 and was the first person in Australia to speak out about having a diagnosis, as well as the first to give plenary addresses to the Alzheimer’s Disease International (ADI) Conferences in 2001 and 2011.

Her work in advocacy for people with dementia was profiled on the ABC’s Australian Story earlier this year, where she told her story of retiring from leading the science and technology Division of the Australian Prime Minister’s Department due to her diagnosis.

Since then, Christine has written two books, Who will I be when I die? and Dancing with Dementia, and continues to defy even the most optimistic Christine Bryden of prognoses.

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The forum will highlight inclusive communities and supporting diverse needs in dementia care, helping delegates to improve their understanding and knowledge and therefore provide effective support for people with dementia.

Secondary keynote speaker Sheree Drylie from Alzheimer’s Australia NSW will help guests to understand and effectively support the needs of people with dementia from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Professor Brodaty, the third keynote speaker, will focus on the latest research and practice issues in the care and support of people with dementia who display severe and persistent behaviours.

Professor Brodaty is President of the International Psychogeriatric Association and was previously chairman of Alzheimer’s Disease International, and president of Alzheimer’s Australia and Alzheimer’s Australia (NSW).

The forum’s breadth of topics include dementia care in Culturally & Linguistically Diverse Communities (CALD), Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender & Intersex Communities (LGBTI), prison, younger onset dementia and palliative care.

Presentations will also be provided on the BaptistCare Stronger Carers Program and the Dementia Collaborative Research Centre & Dementia Training Study Centre.

Dementia Awareness Week is supported by financial assistance from the Australian Government and the NSW Government. This event is proudly sponsored by Alzheimer’s Australia NSW.

The Gracewood Wins Excellence

in Seniors’ Living Award

Mr Mike Furner and Dr Graham Henderson

BaptistCare’s The Gracewood development in Kellyville has recently won the Urban Development Institute of Australia (UDIA) Award for Excellence in Seniors’ Living BaptistCare’s The Gracewood, located on Memorial Ave in Kellyville, was announced the winner of the prestigious award on Friday 1 August at The Star in Sydney.

The awards acknowledge projects that push the boundaries in innovation, sustainability and affordability.

The Gracewood, built between September 2011 and June 2013, includes 73 apartments (one, two and three bedrooms), a restaurant, bar, café and kiosk, a chapel, gymnasium and pool, hair salon and day respite centre.

Nestled into the Cumberland forest, The Gracewood apartments and grounds have been designed and built to state-of-the-art environmental standards. Making the very best use of natural light, outstanding energy efficiency, and environmental responsibility, the end result is a development that offers environmental conscientiousness, cost-consciousness and class all in one neat package.

At the development’s core is the Humanitas principle, which

focuses on balancing care with the opportunity to lead an active lifestyle. A full suite of home care services are also available on site, allowing residents to live independently while enjoying choice and flexibility of services on their terms.

“We are thrilled with this award, especially in such a highly competitive field,” said Mr Ross Low, Chief Executive Officer of BaptistCare.

“It gives due recognition to the BaptistCare Board for their vision, and McFadyen Architects for their design, offering adaptability and linking with nature, together with the sense of community and vitality created by The Gracewood team and led by Penny Edwards.” (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2014

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(The Gracewood Wins Excellence In Senior’s Living Award continued) “We have sought to offer community living to our residents, and as such, The Gracewood is designed for residents to reconnect with each other in a vibrant community atmosphere, while allowing for independence and personal space,” he said.

The judges appraised The Gracewood as an exceptionally well resolved, medium-rise seniors’ village.

They commended the large apartments and clubhouse facilities for their “high competency in architectural and passive environment design, with good solar access and cross ventilation”, as well as first class internal finishes and external landscaping.

The BaptistCare and McFadyen Architect team

Finally, the judges noted “The development’s site planning maximises the natural amenity of the retained Cumberland woodland and fosters integration with the external community through building orientation and actives uses, accessible to the

street at ground level.”

The Gracewood will soon be home to a $25 million dollar residential aged care facility alongside of the community living apartments.

For more information about The Gracewood visit www.baptistcare.org.au/ thegracewood

Property Guru’s Top Tips

for Downsizers

If there is anyone who knows how to maximize the value of most retirees’ most important financial asset – the family home – it is residential property expert and television presenter Andrew Winter, popular host of the LifeStyle Channel program Selling Houses Australia.

Recently, as part of a very special event held at The Gracewood in Kellyville, a packed audience of 150 attendees was fortunate enough to get the chance to listen to, question and get personal advice and tips from Andrew himself.

Andrew had the audience in stitches describing some of the more poorly presented homes he’s seen over the years, with his in-depth knowledge of the property market, charm and sense of humour making for a memorable day.

For anyone thinking of selling a property, Andrew says there’s one golden rule above all others to bear in mind: “Timing is everything”. With the north-west

Sydney property market continuing to enjoy strong growth and demand for local stock currently high, he says now is the perfect time to prepare a house in the Hills district for what’s shaping up to be a super 2014 Spring selling season.

Sellers don’t have to spend a fortune in order to properly prepare a home for sale and maximize its value, Andrew says.

Instead, the most important things to do are relatively simple and straightforward, such as: • Clean up and de-clutter inside • B righten up interiors with a few coats of fresh paint, preferably in white or neutral shades • I nvest in some simple but new and modern styling accessories, like cushions and throws • G ive every room a “purpose”, with end buyers - most likely younger families - always in mind • T idy and spruce up outside areas, including gardens, and if necessary take advantage of a house cleaning service.

Making the decision to sell a home and move elsewhere can be a daunting task at any time, let alone when that decision

involves selling the family home where you may well have lived for decades.

But as Andrew pointed out, property prices can fall as well as rise, and with the Sydney market now booming, there’s never been a better time for local retirees to start planning the next move.

And should you be looking to downsize in the Hills District, The Gracewood offers superior lifestyle choices for retirees in the area and sets a new, award-winning benchmark in contemporary retirement living.

Offering a choice of modern 1,2 or 3 bedroom apartments, our vibrant community is nestled within the Cumberland forest and equipped with everything you need to live a full and active life, including a gym, spa, heated indoor pool, library and café.

Residents can live independently or call upon home care services should they ever need them now or in the future.

To arrange a personal inspection or to find out more about The Gracewood, call 1800 116 550 or visit thegracewoodcommunity.com.au But hurry, more than 70% of our apartments have already been sold. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2014

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Hey Padre!

Prison Chaplains offering Hope

Chaplains play a vital role in the commitment of BaptistCare to provide wholistic care for people with physical, emotional and spiritual needs.

prison yard:

Chaplains sit with those in prison who are isolated and rejected as a result of unwise choices.

They hold the hands of patients in hospital and sit with families who anxiously wait for some news of their loved ones. They support medical staff as they grieve the loss of a life and come alongside residents as they adapt to their new home in residential facilities. They bring a message of repentance and forgiveness, of restoration and hope. They are invited to pray for people, to share the Bible and to speak a message of hope with people who have not had hope for some time.

“Sure mate, I could get you one of those, but why a King James?

They’re a good Bible, but they’re not all that easy to read,” I replied.

Occasionally, chaplains have a surprise encounter like one of our prison chaplains did recently when asked an interesting question as he walked around the 16

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“Hey Padre - can you get me a King James Bible?”

As a prison chaplain, I receive many requests from inmates, but it’s not often a request for a Bible is as specific as this.

my best childhood memories is of Pa reading his King James Bible every night before he went to bed.

Can you get me a King James?”

“I’ll make a deal with you, John,” I said. “Let me get you a Bible you can actually read - something that reads more like a modern novel with up to date language. Have a bit of a read of it, and let me know what you think, and once you’ve spent a bit of time on that, if you’re still keen, I’ll get you a King James.

Do we have a deal?”

John frowned a little, thought for a while, and then said, “OK Padre it’s a deal.”

I delivered a Good News Bible to him in the prison yard later that day.

“I was very close to my grandfather,” John* said. “He was more of a father to me than my real father ever was, and one of

A day or two later, as I passed the exercise yard, John spotted me and came over. “Hey Padre, you know that Bible you got me last week? Well, we got locked in that afternoon at around 3.30, and to fill in a bit of time, I started to read it. I know you told me to start with John, but I thought, Nah! I’m goin’ to read it like a novel, but I’ll

start with the New Testament, and that’s what I did. Before I knew it, I’d read right through Matthew and most of Mark!”

“What did you think of it?” I asked.

“That Jesus guy was a pretty clever dude, wasn’t he?”

“Only the cleverest man who has ever lived,” I replied. “Why do you say that?”

My gift to provide compassion and care to those in need My details (please print) Rev/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss (please circle) First name Surname

“Oh - the cool way he handled those Pharisee guys - he asked some really good questions, and he always had a great answer.”

Address

“Keep reading, John,” I said.

Work Ph

A few days later, John again saw me and called out - “Hey Padre, I’m up to Corinthians!”

Since then, John has read right through the New Testament, and has embarked on the Old Testament, and he’s really reading it - the Bible stories are coming alive to him as he reads them for the very first time in his life.

I have no doubt that John will keep reading, and my prayer is that the Lord will allow me to be an encourager to him on his journey towards faith before he leaves prison or moves to another facility…And, yes, I must remember to get him a King James Bible!

What an encouraging story of the impact chaplains have, and we are committed to growing this ministry to help more people like John encounter God. However, this is only possible with your help, as all chaplains are funded, either entirely or in part, through donations to BaptistCare.

Donations can be made using the coupon in this magazine, by phoning 1300 275 227 or through the website www.baptistcare.org.au *Names and some details have been changed for privacy reasons.

Mobile Home Ph

DOB Email My gift I would like to support BaptistCare with a single gift of $_________ to help bring hope where there has been none.

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 me more information on: Becoming a Chaplaincy supporter Including BaptistCare in my Will BaptistCare Membership Volunteering

Please return coupon to: BaptistCare NSW & ACT 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.

ABN 90 000 049 525 NEWSSP14

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Volunteers are Welcome you will be provided with the appropriate orientation and training that will enable you to become familiar with the site you are working at and the responsibilities you are being entrusted with. At all times you will have a supervisor who can provide support, and answer any questions you may have.

Narellan volunteer being acknowledged and thanked for their service

Welcome to Narellan BaptistCare’s Home Services program at Narellan, in South West Sydney, recently had the privilege of welcoming over 60 volunteers into the BaptistCare family. These volunteers have been faithfully serving with Narellan Congregational Community Services, which recently came under the oversight of BaptistCare.

your local facility or service and asking for the Service Volunteer Coordinator.

They will be able to describe what support or assistance is currently required, or speak with you about what experience or skills you are hoping to share in making a difference for others.

In meeting the volunteers we discovered they came from a variety of backgrounds and offer a range of experience. We are delighted that they are willing to make the transition into BaptistCare and look forward to a fulfilling and rewarding journey together going forward.

In the unlikely event that the service is not currently taking volunteers they will be able to direct you to other BaptistCare programs nearby. Alternatively, you can visit the BaptistCare website and browse through the current Volunteer Opportunities for each location; https:// baptistcare.org.au/get-involved/ volunteering/.

BaptistCare would like to welcome more volunteers

Making the process simple and easy

BaptistCare is always on the lookout for suitable volunteers to support our services in Residential Care, Home Care, Retirement Villages, Community Services and Support Services. Getting involved is as easy as contacting 18

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Once offered a volunteer role you will be invited to complete a straight forward application form and provide details for a police check (cost covered by BaptistCare). Once processed

Getting involved is as easy as contacting your local facility or service and asking for the Service Volunteer Coordinator.

Everyone benefits from volunteering At BaptistCare we understand that you are serving to make a difference in someone else’s life. However, our volunteers are often communicating back to us that they are the ones who benefit the most. This connection with others and sense of community that develops is an outcome that BaptistCare embraces as integral to our purpose as an organisation; that is, the transformation of lives.

If you have been considering volunteering and think that now might be the time, please don’t hesitate to contact BaptistCare via volunteering@baptistcare.org.au.

We would love to welcome you into this exciting journey of providing care to many thousands of people throughout NSW & ACT.

Current Volunteer Opportunities

BaptistCare Cooinda Court – Macquarie Park

BaptistCare Aminya Centre – Baulkham Hills

Volunteer Bus Driver A driver is needed for the first Wednesday of every month.

Lunch will be provided.

Volunteer Men’s Group Leader Time commitment is 1-2 hours per month.

Please contact Linda on 9346 1306 for more information.

Volunteer Choir Leader Residents at BaptistCare Aminya Centre would like to start a resident choir and are looking for a friendly person that has had some experience in a choir/ singing or knows music and how to harmonise.

Please contact Jo on 8896 3915 for more information.

BaptistCare Home Services – Dubbo Social Support Volunteers Volunteers will take clients on social outings, out for morning tea, transport clients to go shopping, and other activities including arts, crafts and luncheons.

Please contact Janelle on 5804 7300 for more information.

Be the change you want to see

BaptistCare Home Services – South East Sydney/Cumberland A variety of volunteer opportunities are required for our Home Services in the Auburn/ Cumberland/Holroyd/Prospect areas including: Social Support Volunteers Activity & Companion Volunteers Volunteer Bus Driver Volunteer Medical Transport Driver Volunteer Shopping Assistants Please contact Linda on 8536 2907 for more information.

BaptistCare Home Services – Willoughby Volunteer Drivers Morning or afternoon drivers are needed to pick up clients from Ryde, Hunters Hill and Kuringai areas and drop them to BaptistCare Nukara Centre in the morning or pickup from the centre and drop them home in the afternoon. The driving can

either be in your own insured car with reimbursement of kilometres or in a BaptistCare pool car.

Time commitment is 8am or 3:30pm. A valid driver’s licence is required for this role.

Please contact Leonie or Nicola on 8020 8800 for more information.

BaptistCare Community Centre – Port Kembla Volunteer Men’s Shed Workshop Coordinator Time commitment is Mondays, 10.30am to 12.30pm.

Please contact Elizabeth on 4298 2801 for more information.

BaptistCare Morling Lodge – Red Hill ACT Volunteer Bus Driver A driver is needed on Tuesday afternoons (1-3.30pm) every week, or fortnightly.

Please contact Rory on 6221 3700 for more information.

More information on all of these Volunteer Opportunities and others are available on the BaptistCare website at baptistcare.org.au If you have other skills and experience you would like to offer please contact the BaptistCare Volunteers & Community Engagement Manager via volunteering@baptistcare.org.au www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Spring 2014

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Our Name Has Changed But Our Care Remains The Same BaptistCare – transforming lives by expressing the love of Christ.

To find out more please visit

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TRUST Spring 2014 | www.baptistcare.org.au