Trust Summer 2014

MAGAZINE

A New Era For HopeStreet Celebrating Microfinance Milestones Radio Maranoa Hits The Airwaves Summer 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”

You will see from our feature article in this edition we have some very exciting news to share with you about HopeStreet, and its integration under the management of BaptistCare.

The HopeStreet programs, based in Sydney’s Woolloomooloo, are greatly valued and worthy of continued support.

As you will read, eighty percent of people in this area are dependent on social security payments and the housing situation in this area of Sydney relies heavily on social housing, hostels, crisis accommodation and sleeping rough. Mental illness, health, alcohol, gambling and drug issues are also part of the landscape.

BaptistCare is committed to ensuring the continuation of this vital urban ministry, and I hope you enjoy reading about the exciting future for BaptistCare and HopeStreet.

Excitement is also building around our development in Griffith (page 9) while our Microfinance Loans program has reached a significant milestone of providing $5million worth of loans to 4000 individuals and families over six years (page 12).

We have much to be grateful for, as this year comes to a close. Can I encourage you to read our 2014 Annual Report, which is now online at www. baptistcare.org.au (located within News & Media) to gain a fuller understanding of the wonderful work BaptistCare has undertaken over the past financial year, as we express the love of Christ and transform lives.

I wish you a wonderful Christmas as we celebrate and acknowledge the birth of our Lord and Saviour. Thank you for your contribution to the mission of BaptistCare.

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

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.

God at Work I am fascinated by the ocean.

Whether it is looking at it from 10,000 meters in a plane or from a cruise ship with 360° views of ocean, or sitting in a beach house overlooking the ocean. All of this is awe inspiring.

Below the surface (where you cannot see) is a whole lot of life and activity; currents, tidal movements, every kind of fish imaginable, all interacting.

In Genesis Chapter 1 there is an interesting verse: “In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth. The earth was formless and empty, and darkness covered the deep waters. And the Spirit of God was hovering over the surface of the waters. Then God said, “Let there be light,” and there was light.”

(NLT version) Sometimes in ministry we can feel as if there is nothing going on - no response, no life. But then we become aware that the Spirit of God has been at work, it is just that it was not visible to us. God has been ‘hovering over the deep emptiness’, bringing life, transformation and hope.

This is a reminder to hold on to the fact that God is always at work and he is expert at creating something out of nothing. Remember the disciples

Trevor Wight BaptistCare Senior Chaplain

who had been fishing all night and had caught nothing? They were not amateurs; they knew the right tides and places to fish. Yet despite all their effort and expertise they came home exhausted and discouraged.

Jesus shows up and says cast your net on the other side. If you are anything like me, your first thought would have been: what does a carpenter know about fishing? Like me you may well have been reluctant to take Jesus’ suggestion. However the disciples were willing to trust Jesus and they followed his lead and caught a massive number of fish.

Sometimes all of our experience, effort and expertise does not get us very far. It is not that our efforts are irrelevant; it’s just that they are insufficient to achieve God’s Kingdom work.

In the story of the feeding of the 5000, if the little boy had kept his little lunch of loaves and fishes it would have fed one, maybe two people.

In giving what he had to Jesus, so many more were fed. Our challenge is usually not about working harder, but learning to tune into what God is doing and trusting that our small contribution might be multiplied by Jesus.

Eugene H Peterson in his book The Contemplative Pastor, reminds

us that: “God is everywhere and always seizes the initiative. He gets things going. He had and continues to have the first word.

Prevenience is the conviction that God has been working diligently, redemptively, and strategically before I appeared on the scene, before I was aware there was something here for me to do.”

And so Eugene encourages us to maintain a: “disciplined, determined conviction that everything we do is a response to God’s first word, his initiating act.

We learn to be attentive to the divine action already in process so that the previously unheard word of God is heard; the previously unattended act of God is noticed.”

So when you start getting discouraged because you cannot see much progress, remember: • the analogy of the ocean and how much activity is actually going on “below the surface”, • remind yourself of the truth of Prevenience - that God is always taking the initiative, • look for how you can cooperate with what God is already doing.

“Now all glory to God, who is able, through his mighty power at work within us, to accomplish infinitely more than we might ask or think.”

Ephesians 3:20

hopestreet HopeStreet is a community development and street-based outreach service, working at the grass roots level of Sydney’s inner-city.

Based in Woolloomooloo, the service assists people who are in need, many who are living with homelessness, addiction, mental health and legal issues, in addition to having diminished employment opportunities.

In August this year, HopeStreet joined the BaptistCare family and in the following pages, we introduce you to HopeStreet and its life transforming programs.

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Writing A New Chapter for HopeStreet After 30 years of caring for people living on the margins in Sydney’s inner city, the Hope Street Inc. Board was faced with operational challenges earlier this year.

Through a process of consultation it was agreed that there was an opportunity for HopeStreet’s programs to be transitioned into a partnership arrangement with the Baptist Association of Churches and BaptistCare, to ensure the continuation of this vital urban mission in Sydney.

Effective from 14 August 2014 a new partnership model was established, with an operations plan currently under development

by BaptistCare to ensure the ongoing sustainability of the HopeStreet programs.

Matt Young, BaptistCare HopeStreet’s Missional Services Manager, now manages the programs. (Read more about Matt on the following page). To date, BaptistCare has been able to support HopeStreet in areas of IT infrastructure, system and network, as well as reviewing staff structures and programs.

BaptistCare HopeStreet features five core service areas, which Matt and his team will work to strengthen over the next year.

(Read more about these service areas in the following article.)

The next six to twelve months will see BaptistCare HopeStreet engaging in new partnerships, including establishing a Woolloomooloo Health Clinic with St. Vincent’s Hospital. An exciting outdoor art project collaboration featuring local talent and creative vision from the Woolloomooloo community will also take shape.

Part of the renewal and refreshment process for BaptistCare HopeStreet is identifying key areas where supporters and volunteers can help the service to maintain a Christian presence in this complex community.

“HopeStreet demonstrates faith put into action each and every day, through professional community services with people experiencing homelessness, marginalisation and vulnerability,” said Matt Young.

“Alongside of Woolloomooloo Baptist Church, together we are confident this urban mission will continue to see lives transformed as we express Christ’s love in the inner city and beyond.”

“As we work together, our goal is to grow HopeStreet into an organisation of excellence,” said Matt.

“HopeStreet is a community based team that now has the backing of a much larger, highly respected organisation in BaptistCare, and together we will be able to offer this inner city community so much more,” said Matt.

“There is a lot of work ahead of us and we would welcome BaptistCare supporters, Baptist Churches, and the wider community to join with us if they are not already on this journey,” said Matt.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2014

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“How Do You Say Woolloomooloo?”

Not far from the multi-million dollar apartments, bars and fine dining on the Finger Wharf in Woolloomooloo you’ll find a community rich in social and cultural diversity, yet isolated and mostly unacknowledged by society.

Woolloomooloo is located between the harbour side and the suburbs of Potts Point and Kings Cross, just 1.5 kilometres from the Sydney CBD. Eighty percent of people in this area are dependent on social security payments. Some live in social housing, hostels or in crisis accommodation, but many miss out, and as a result Woolloomooloo has the highest

concentration of people sleeping rough in NSW. As well as having nowhere to sleep at night, around 75% of the homeless population experience mental illness.

Some have experienced institutionalisation and childhood abuse; all live exposed to the uncertainty and insecurity of life on the streets.

The area is home to the nation’s highest population of people living with HIV. Many more struggle with alcohol, drug and gambling addictions.

HopeStreet is based within this complex community, as a grassroots community development

organisation that works with people living on the margins of inner city Sydney - people who are homeless, socially excluded or living in poverty.

“We are committed to empowering people to take control of their own lives, not just giving handouts,” said Helen Dwyer, HopeStreet Fundraising and Relationships Manager.

We help them to build their independence and advocate for the rights that many Australians take for granted,” she said.

Contact HopeStreet (02) 9358 2388 admin@hopestreet.org.au hopestreet.org.au

All five programs are aimed at street level, where the needs are greatest.

The Homeless Connect program works with rough sleepers, meeting basic needs and assisting people to access permanent housing, healthcare and other services.

At The Terrace, homeless men are provided with semi-supported

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accommodation where they receive personal assistance to help them transition from homelessness to independent living.

The Employment Training Program (ETP) is a social enterprise that gives up to 20 people a paying

TRUST Summer 2014 | www.baptistcare.org.au

job with support and training. ETP primarily employs people who have been considered ‘unemployable’ due to illness or disability.

Employees discover skills they didn’t know they had, and the satisfaction of a job well done.

Situated in the back-streets of Darlinghurst, HopeStreet’s Women’s Space provides support for street-based sex workers.

Women’s Space support workers build relationships of trust, and encourage positive choice, change and growth.

The Inner City Gambling Counselling Service gives treatment and support to local homeless and social housing residents along with members of the wider community to help people overcome their gambling problems, right where they are at.

MEET matt

Q How has your background in the area of community development prepared you for this role at HopeStreet?

A Having previously worked as the State Welfare Director for another Christian based denomination for over five years, I participated in empowering local Churches to undertake community development and welfare services within their local context. Through identifying local needs and services within their community, we were able to help create opportunities to engage in the lives of individuals that are marginalised or living on the edge of society. My role also allowed me to work in partnership with these Churches and Communities to develop and operate both grass roots ministries through to government funded projects.

Q What has been the most surprising part about working in and around HopeStreet and Woolloomooloo?

A The significant contrast between the extreme wealth

Matt Young Missional Services Manager

We took the opportunity to chat with Matt about his time at HopeStreet so far. His thoughts are below.

500 metres from our door to the rough sleepers outside our door.

My heart and mind are constantly reminded of HopeStreet’s relentless desire to see positive change, no matter how small or big in the lives of each member of this community.

Q What are the top challenges for HopeStreet in this period?

A It’s not hard to see that financial sustainability will be a key challenge for HopeStreet.

Alongside of this is making sure what we say we do, we actually do.

Q And the opportunities for HopeStreet?

A Partnerships with other service providers, council, communities and corporates as we continue to support and sustain the work of HopeStreet, and also pioneer new and creative social enterprises and services for the Woolloomooloo community.

Q Can you identify the stand out need of the clients of HopeStreet, and how do you think BaptistCare is best able to meet this?

A There is a saying around HopeStreet that we don’t do ‘handouts’ but instead offer ‘hand ups’. This speaks to HopeStreet’s philosophy of meeting people at their point of need and supporting them as they piece their lives back together. Of course there will always be situations where we are called upon to offer crisis care, but we need to move quickly from this point to offering support and not fall into the trap of wanting to rescue. This ideal resonates with me and challenges me to ensure that each decision we make at HopeStreet is measured against the question: Is this a ‘handout’ or a ‘hand up’, and what is the appropriate response at this time?

At HopeStreet, we are constantly challenged by the social housing and homeless community and their behaviour. But we resolutely know that this community needs to be loved, accepted for who they are and supported in all circumstances to provide suitable, healthy and positive outcomes for the challenges that they are facing. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2014

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Radio Maranoa

Broadcasts Feel-Good Vibes To Residents BaptistCare Maranoa Centre, located in sunny Alstonville, recently commenced transmitting on its own narrow cast frequency in a bid to entertain and inform their residents.

The limited range station, 88.3FM Radio Maranoa, is run by staff and resident volunteers and plays songs of yesteryear primarily from the 1930s through to 1960s, along with live announcements, weather reports and birthday dedications.

“The response in-house has been really encouraging with both staff and residents tuning in with enthusiasm,” says Greg Price, Residential Manager. “Radio Maranoa provides non-stop music around the clock in our common areas and specialised sub-folders feature as part of our lifestyle program in our memory care unit.”

“One resident offered his entire music collection and assisted with 8

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building the music library, another resident conducts weather reports and announcements, and more are eager to get involved,” says Greg.

As the initiative grows, several residents and some staff with a history in radio broadcasting are keen to reactivate old skills and contribute through short programs and announcements.

The next step will be promoting local outings and events, menus for the week and information surrounding nutrition and hydration.

The idea initially came from a 2013 Better Practice Conference paper featuring an aged care facility in Tasmania, where an internal radio station had positive results.

“It was surprisingly simple and inexpensive to set up the station with the guided help of a local radio club, and a couple of experts. Local radio technician, Duncan Raymont, and Dave Russell, a goldenvoiced announcer, have been indispensable to the project,”

says Greg.

“The narrow cast frequency means within our boundaries, which in effect restricts our listeners to in-house entertainment.”

A recent British study on the general population’s listening habits reported that radio helped people feel better as they went about their daily lives (Thomas, 2011). People claimed that radio was seen to: • H ave a significant uplift effect on people’s mood, • On average, increase happiness and energy scores, • Be the most potent moodenhancing media and a powerful emotional multiplier.

As Radio Maranoa continues to connect with residents, staff and management look forward to the feel-good vibes multiplying.

BaptistCare Maranoa Centre offers residential care for 90 residents across all levels of care, including dementia care and respite care services.

Final Preparations Underway

At Griffith

Canberra’s newest aged care facility is undergoing final preparations and finishing touches during the months of November and December, before its opening in the New Year.

Building works including the landscaping will be completed by the end of November, with technology commissioning occurring prior to Christmas.

Furniture and fittings will commence delivery towards the end of November and be installed

by Christmas.

During January, operational staff will be trained on working the centre’s new technology and building systems.

The centre will be home to 160 residents and will provide a diverse range of care needs, including specialised dementia and palliative care services.

BaptistCare Griffith also offers Extra Services: a premium range of lifestyle choices such as spacious accommodation and an increased range of meal choices – all with the same high quality care.

Residents and their families will enjoy the roof top gardens, purpose-built cinema, day spa, wellness clinic and hair salon.

“It is with a great sense of achievement that I recommend BaptistCare Griffith to you.

BaptistCare is an organisation that prides ourselves on providing

‘Care you can trust’, and with a 70 year track record we have good reason to do so. The end result is accommodation that offers the highest standards of care and comfort for each of our valued residents,” said Ross Low, Chief Executive Officer.

BaptistCare Griffith has been designed and built to state-ofthe-art environmental standards, making the best use of natural light, outstanding energy efficiency and environmental responsibility.

To find out more, contact BaptistCare on 6195 3108 or email Shirley at SSmith@baptistcare.org.au

Star Employee

Philippa Takes Gold

BaptistCare Macquarie Park team member Philippa Caruso celebrated a Gold and Bronze medal on her return from the Special Olympics National Games, held in Melbourne last month.

The 33 year old from Epping, who has Down Syndrome, represented New South Wales in a number of races, placing first in her division in the 50m breaststroke, with a time of 1:28, and 3rd in the team’s 50m female freestyle relay.

Philippa’s mother, Lyn, said watching the individual race was full of suspense. “Philippa had a slow start off the blocks.

Suddenly, about half way through the race, she doubled 10

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the pace and shot past all the other girls in the pool. It was very exciting!” says Lyn. To qualify for the national games, Philippa secured exceptional results in both regional and New South Wales events.

Unfortunately, her national assault was interrupted by a brief illness, which landed her in hospital for surveillance.

“Philippa returned poolside after a 22 hour delay, and to her disappointment she was unable to compete in her final two events,” says Lyn. When not at the pool, or on the netball court, the active Philippa can be found putting the same dedication into her job at BaptistCare Macquarie Park, where she works five days a week with the catering and laundry team at the residential care facility.

Philippa commenced work with BaptistCare in January 2007, and Catering Manager, Chamara Pathiranage, highlights Philippa’s efforts both in and out of the pool as special achievements.

“Philippa is a valuable member of our team. She prides herself on always being on time and sets a great example to others.

Philippa is very efficient with her job and always gives her best with a smile.”

The BaptistCare team congratulates Philippa for her outstanding efforts and wishes her luck in her future sporting endeavours.

Upskilling

For a Stronger Relationship No relationship is all sunshine, but two people can share one umbrella and survive the storm together.

Dealing with change and challenges is guaranteed in every couple’s life, but being equipped with the right communication and conflict resolution skills is critical to dealing with them before they become big issues.

With the economic burden from relationship and family breakdowns estimated at around $3 billion each year, the Federal Government has launched a Stronger Relationships trial offering couples a $200 subsidy for relationship education and counselling to improve these key relationship skills.

“Through early intervention and support the aim is to help couples build and maintain a healthy, mutually satisfying relationship, achieving greater stability in their relationship and thereby creating a better environment for their family and children,” said Rob Ellis, General Manager Community Services.

“We want people to enjoy happy, fulfilling, safe and empowering relationships, which then has a flow on effect to our communities. Talking through those every day and big issues is certainly a positive step in the right direction,” he said.

The Stronger Relationships subsidy is open to all couples over the age of 18 years in a committed relationship, at any stage of their relationship – they don’t have to be newly-weds, they don’t have to intend to marry, they don’t have to have children, and they don’t have to be living together.

BaptistCare believes that positive relationships have the power to transform lives and as an approved provider, BaptistCare is offering couples discounted education and counselling services through

the Stronger Relationships program.

BaptistCare offers both group and couple counselling, covering such areas as pre-marriage education, marriage/relationship counselling and building upon parenting skills, conflict resolution and communication.

Get started with three easy steps: 1. Register for the $200 subsidy via the Stronger Relationships trial portal at portal.dss.gov.au/ srcportal 2. Once registered, call BaptistCare on 8713 4333 3. Arrange a time for your first session For more information or help registering online, call BaptistCare on 8713 4333, or visit baptistcare.org.au/ relationships.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2014

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Lives transformed

through loans A major microfinance milestone has been celebrated by BaptistCare, with $5 million dollars of no interest and low interest loans provided to 4000 individuals and families in 6 years.

NSW Office of Fair Trading Commissioner, Mr Rod Stowe and Shellharbour City Deputy Mayor, Cr Paul Rankin joined with BaptistCare and program partners at a celebration event on Wednesday 22 October, to acknowledge the significant impact microfinance loans are making in the day to day lives of people, as cycles of poverty and debt are broken.

Watch the BaptistCare microfinance loans film series now on the BaptistCare YouTube Channel. www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT

The event, held at the birthplace of BaptistCare’s microfinance loans, BaptistCare Community Centre - Warilla North, included the launch of a film series featuring BaptistCare clients whose lives have been transformed through loans.

Kay, a No Interest Loan Scheme (NILS) client featured in the films was given a “second chance at life”, tapping into her unique skills and strengths with a NILS loan to start her own business.

“You’re all ready to go and beg for a loan. Having something like this for us, the employed, people on pensions, is just absolutely marvellous,” she said. “I’ve gone from a disastrous life ... I think I’ve felt a failure all my life. I’m (now) a business owner. And to write that down after years of feeling worthless...”

During the event, the CEO of Good Shepherd Microfinance, Mr Adam Mooney, praised the role of BaptistCare microfinance workers in the loans process.

“The relationship between a case worker and a client is all about hope. The hope to direct our own lives, and have ownership and control over our finances,” he said.

Good Shepherd Microfinance CEO Mr Adam Mooney

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Christine Bryden

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The trust between one StepUP client and BaptistCare case worker Terri is evident in the film featuring Chylohe, who was able to purchase a trike providing him

with more than just mobility, but also physical, social and emotional freedom.

“At the beginning he was very withdrawn, and he didn’t want to share his story,” said Terri. “But after that he was very motivated. When the loan was approved, he was so excited,” she said.

“I’ve gone from a disastrous life ... I think I’ve felt a failure all my life. I’m (now) a business owner. And to write that down after years of feeling worthless...”

The NILS and low interest loans program (StepUP) gives families and individuals with limited financial capacity access to funds for every day and unexpected expenses, without needing to resort to pay-day lenders and pawnbrokers.

NILS loans are provided with no fees and no interest for up to $1200. StepUP loans have a minimal interest rate of 5.99% for up to $3000 and are repaid over 3 years with no fees.

“For people struggling on the

Kay and BaptistCare Case Worker, Lynne Payne

edge of financial exclusion, pulling out a credit card and worrying about the debt later is far from reality. There are many who are struggling to raise the extra cash needed for basic living items such as white goods and bedding, let alone unforeseen or emergency circumstances for car repairs and dental or health care,” said Mr Ross Coleman, Service Development Manager at BaptistCare.

The organisation’s first cheque was signed in 2008 by BaptistCare Community Centre - Warilla North. Since then, the community centre has loaned over $2.5milion to more than 1500 families and individuals, with one particular staff member writing her one thousandth cheque last month.

“We have heard of loans attracting an interest rate as high as 400%, on top of the loan fee. It’s not fair, and it’s certainly not helpful for families who are already under extreme financial

stress, to face such limited options,” said Mr Coleman.

BaptistCare is one of the top five providers of microfinance loans in Australia, in partnership with Good Shepherd Microfinance, NAB and the NSW Office of Fair Trading.

The organisation also provides specialist loans to women and children who are escaping domestic violence or who are transitioning out of homelessness.

Microfinance loans are available through BaptistCare community centres in the Illawarra, south and south-west Sydney, the Central West, the Hunter region, the Central Coast, Broken Hill and the ACT. More information about microfinance loans are available on the BaptistCare and Good Shepherd Microfinance websites. www.baptistcare.org.au www goodshepherd microfinance.org.au

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2014

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TV’s Bondi Vet

Explains How To Downsize With Pets

Chris’ Top Tips

Upstaging celebrity Sydney vet Dr Chris Brown, the charismatic host of the popular television series Bondi Vet, is no easy matter.

But that’s exactly what happened at The Gracewood in Kellyville recently, while Chris was addressing a packed auditorium of around 200 residents and visitors on the subject of how best to combine pet ownership with modern apartment living.

Was it a bark of agreement or indignation? Either way, Lucy’s contribution gave The Gracewood’s guest speaker and audience a hearty laugh and made for one of the most entertaining moments in an informationpacked event.

Just as Chris was explaining that it was a good idea for dog owners to select four-legged companions that weren’t too sharply intelligent, a very cute Gracewood resident by the name of Lucy let out – with perfect timing - one very loud bark.

As Chris explained, the many health and social benefits of pet ownership for seniors and retirees are being increasingly recognised, meaning that managers of Australia’s most caring and modern seniors’ living developments, such as The

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• C hoose “personality over looks” when it comes to dogs, as the latter tend to have more health problems than dogs left to breed more “naturally” • S mall breeds tend to be more appropriate for apartment living, less expensive, quieter and easier to care for than larger breeds, with good choices including cavoodles, mini schnauzers, King Charles spaniels and poodles • C ats provide wonderful companionship for seniors while requiring minimal grooming and exercise • C anaries and budgerigars also make excellent companions, “falling in love with you very easily”.

Gracewood, now recognise that many people want to take their pets with them when downsizing.

The old assumption that pets and apartment living don’t mix was false, Chris said – as long as owners followed a few simple,

time-consuming than spaceconsuming, while other pets such as cats, birds or fish don’t of course consume much of either.

“The most important consideration is to ensure your pet is suited to your lifestyle.”

obviously common-sense rules, and the pet fits in with the development’s pet policy.

Chris said the main problems facing dogs in apartments were putting on too much weight, through lack of exercise or overfeeding, and boredom, which could result in excessive barking.

“But if you manage their diet and give them regular exercise, everyone – including their owners - will be a lot better off,” he pointed out.

“With dogs for instance, the biggest misconception is that they need a big backyard“, he said. “But in reality, dogs are more

Chris said other than owning a pet, Gracewood’s animal lovers could take advantage of the village’s proximity to

“The most important consideration is to ensure your pet is suited to your lifestyle.”

native bushland to enjoy the area’s abundance of wildlife fauna, particularly native birds, while other options included volunteering at animal shelters or offering to mind friends’ or family members’ pets while they were away.

The Gracewood offers community living featuring modern 1, 2 and 3 bedroom apartments, nestled within the Cumberland woodland forest and featuring a gym, spa, heated indoor pool, library and café. The site will soon be home to a $25 million residential aged care facility.

To arrange a personal inspection or find out more about The Gracewood, call 1800 116 550 or visit www. thegracewoodcommunity.com.au

Live and Laugh

with Dementia

terms with how best to care for those they love.

For these people the idea of ‘living and laughing’ with dementia might seem at odds with the daily reality of the disorder. But new research shows that not only does using humour as therapy reduce difficult behaviour in sufferers, it also improves the happiness levels of the patients and their carers.

People who suffer with dementia are often at the epicentre of a circle of grief and loss, as their primary carers and extended families struggle to come to

Lee-Fay Low is a leading researcher in the field of dementia and the author of Live and Laugh with Dementia, a new book which aims to help sufferers live good and happy lives.

Hopeful and inspiring, Live and Laugh with Dementia supports people to improve their

relationship with the person with dementia. Ideal for both family and professional carers, not only does it contain suggestions for activities and how to tailor them, but it also covers a host of ideas that will empower family and friends to re-engage with sufferers, allowing them to build new relationships, spread the load of care and add richness to the lives of the sufferers as well as meaning to their own.

Exisle Publishing is giving TRUST readers the opportunity to purchase Live and Laugh with Dementia with a 25% discount.

Quote the code TRUST when you order online from www. exislepublishing.com.au or by phone on (02) 4998 3327.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2014

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Christmas Hamper Appeal

A Burden Shared Is A Burden Halved 2014 has been an exciting year for BaptistCare with many changes and developments.

Amidst this change, we have seen many encouragements and blessings.

At this time of the year, we celebrate the birth of Jesus and all God has provided for us, and we spend time reflecting on a year past and look ahead to a new year full of possibilities.

at this time of the year. The tradition of providing Foodbank Christmas hampers to some of the most marginalised in our community brings great encouragement.

However, Christmas can also be a time of sadness and isolation, as people are faced with another year of challenge and difficulty.

Like the stories of Jane* and Maria*, two women who receive support from BaptistCare’s Domestic Violence Supported Accommodation service.

BaptistCare staff and volunteers continue to see an increase in the number of people who need special help

Jane, a 22 year old mum with two small children, was forced to leave a large country town due to a history of domestic violence.

She arrived at the BaptistCare centre but was required to travel back to her home town once a fortnight for court required contact visits for the father of the children, plus various court hearings.

This placed a heavy financial burden on Jane, and at Christmas time she had no money to provide a special meal for her children to celebrate. Jane was overwhelmed when she received a food hamper filled with lots of special food.

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An older mum, Maria* arrived with a disabled adult child who was confined to a wheel chair.

The mum and daughter had experienced over 20 years of violence from the husband and sons. When they came to BaptistCare, due to being out of the “funding zone”, some of the special services for the disabled child were cut or unavailable.

Again, this placed a huge financial burden on the mother who needed to buy special equipment and transport her daughter across Sydney to ensure her special needs were met. Without a hamper from BaptistCare they would not have had a special Christmas day lunch.

These simple and practical gifts have had a huge impact on Jane and Maria, and hundreds of other people who felt valued, loved and cared for at Christmas time.

Every year the number of hampers distributed grows as the needs of people in our community grow. Our staff consider it a highlight of their year when they are able to distribute the hampers and witness the joy in people’s faces as they receive this unexpected gift. A simple gift and yet one which has such an impact and reminds people of the love God has for us all in giving us His son Jesus.

Would you be willing to bring hope this Christmas through the provision of hampers to some of the most marginalised and vulnerable people in our communities?

Your tax-deductible donation will make such a difference this Christmas. Donations can be made using the coupon in this magazine, by phoning 1300 275 227 or through the website www.baptistcare.org.au

Yes I want to bring hope this Christmas My details (please print) Rev/Dr/Mr/Mrs/Ms/Miss (please circle) First name Surname Address Mobile Home Ph Work 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 NEWS14 XS

* names changed www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2014

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A 70 Year Legacy

In BaptistCare’s 70th year of ministry and service, it is fitting we pause to say Thank You to our volunteers who have served so faithfully and at the forefront of our ministry right from the start.

They’ve been there from our humble beginnings, back in 1944.

A handful of passionate Baptist men and women who began to dream of Baptist churches putting faith into social action. They had little, yet gave so much.

Over 70 years, some things may have changed, but their legacy of devotion and care remains the same.

Their story, and the stories of our current volunteers, have recently been released in a special film acknowledging the work of BaptistCare’s volunteers.

In time for International Volunteer Day on December 5, BaptistCare salutes our volunteers, who every day across our network of services, make themselves available to serve others in a multitude of roles.

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TRUST Summer 2014 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Many bring skills and experience to complement the teams they work within. Many come just willing to assist and serve in whatever way they are required.

This service occurs in our Residential facilities and Retirement Villages, through our Home Services programs,

“Each of you should use whatever gift you have received to serve others, as faithful stewards of God’s grace in its various forms.” 1 Peter 4:10 and through our Community Services projects across NSW and the ACT. The variety of roles volunteers undertake is as broad as the diverse range of experience and skills they bring when they become involved.

For this reason, we celebrate each of the volunteers at

Visit the BaptistCare YouTube Channel to watch this inspiring film and see the work of BaptistCare volunteers’. www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT

BaptistCare, and the significant contribution they make on a daily basis. For 70 years they’ve given their time to the marginalised, the widows, the ones who seek refuge, the children, the elderly, the heartbroken, the lonely, the depressed, and the forgotten.

They’ve shown unconditional love to the ones who’ve never felt that before. They’ve been there in times of loss and sorrow, and through the joyous occasions, the moments in time when people need people, to celebrate, embrace, share, and hold.

Their generosity and giving of themselves is beyond words.

From all of us at BaptistCare we say thank you for 70 years of faithful service and contribution.

Volunteering:

Our Life Line

When times were tough last year Ron and Kim Shannon sought some help from the BaptistCare food support store in Windale.

The food care pack they received provided not only physical support; it was also a strong reminder that they were not alone and there were others in the community who cared about their needs.

“Ron and Kim have experienced some tough times in their own life and so they relate well to

Fast forward 12 months and when the new BaptistCare Community Centre – Windale opened in July this year in the Hunter’s most disadvantaged suburb, the first two people through the door to sign up as new volunteers were Ron and Kim.

Since coming on board Ron and Kim have become a vital part of the centre’s team, caring for clients, supporting staff and attending to a range of practical needs.

Centre Co-ordinator Darren Chapman said it was a privilege to have such committed, dedicated volunteers on the team.

After working in a range of occupations, Ron experienced unemployment and the loss of self-esteem from job rejections and little valuable feedback as he sought work.

“I was feeling pretty demotivated and then I came to volunteer here. I get a lift every day I come to work here. I am valued and made to feel an important part of the team. I get the privilege of chatting with all kinds of people and it’s great to know I can put a smile on someone’s face and the centre can assist them in a range of practical ways.”

“We had seen first-hand the great work BaptistCare were doing and we wanted to say thank you and give back to support others in need,” Ron said.

“It also got us out of the house and out of a rut where we weren’t doing much with our time.”

“I love being here and I think I would now be lost without it. I love the rapport we build with clients and the mutual respect that is shown across the centre.”

clients in the centre and show great humility and respect for other people. They are willing to do whatever it takes; even down to taking home our flags on the wall to iron before our official opening at the centre.”

Kim says volunteering with BaptistCare also brings a greater sense of self-respect and worth into their own lives.

Every day, in BaptistCare community centres across NSW, volunteers like Ron and Kim, are making a real and practical difference, serving and offering hope to people living with disadvantage and distress.

To find out more about how you can be part of the change today and join BaptistCare as a volunteer, visit our website at www.baptistcare.org.au.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2014

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Alf Bourne Volunteer Chaplain Aged 99 years

Celebrating 70 Years of Volunteers To volunteer with BaptistCare please enquire about your nearest BaptistCare Service Volunteer Coordinator by calling 1300 275 227

1300 275 227 Sign up for E-News baptistcare.org.au

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TRUST Summer 2014 | www.baptistcare.org.au