TRUST Summer 2015

MAGAZINE

THE MUSIC PROJECT: STAFF CHOIR SINGS HOPE FOR THE HOMELESS PASTORAL CARE: VOLUNTEERS CONNECTING COMMUNITIES LISMORE’S NEW HOUSING DEVELOPMENT Summer Edition 2015 • www.baptistcare.org.au

Pages throughout this report have accompanying videos you can view by simply pressing the PLAY button.

You can also watch stories from across BaptistCare on our YouTube Channel www.youtube.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT

Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

In our final edition of TRUST for this year, I am very happy to share with you stories that powerfully demonstrate our promise to deliver ‘Care you can trust’.

Our staff and volunteers have this year gone above and beyond, working through change and challenges to ensure that our customers continue to be at the heart of everything we do.

From our staff choir in Griffith, ACT raising funds for our Sydney-based homeless service (page 4), to our volunteers who are caring for carers (page 16) and also providing pastoral care to seniors (page 8), this year has been busy but wonderful.

You will see that TRUST now enables you to watch stories, with videos accompanying many of the stories in this edition.

Sign up for E-News www.baptistcare.org.au Like us on Facebook facebook.com/ BaptistCareNSWACT Join the conversation on Twitter @BaptistCare Connect with us on LinkedIn “BaptistCare NSW & ACT” Phone: 1300 275 227 BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

I would also like to let you know that the 2015 BaptistCare Annual Report is now available, and is brimming with personal stories, powerful videos and insights into the year that was. This year’s Report is filled with

easy to read graphics and snapshots illustrating all that has been achieved over the past 12 months.

More than just statistics and strategies, the report brings together a collection of stories and looks at the past year from our customer’s perspective. There are some heartfelt stories of courage and endurance, as well as testimonies of loss and struggle. I believe our customers’ stories best characterise our year and we have included them as a tribute to the work of our staff and volunteers.

Can I encourage you to read our latest Annual Report, now on our website or on request by emailing ask@baptistcare.org.au.

Finally, I would like to wish you a very safe, restful and happy Christmas, and I pray that you experience the joy and peace that comes from our Lord Jesus at this very special time of year.

Editor - Elizabeth Byrne 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.

A GIFT REMEMBERED I don’t know about you but how many Christmas presents have you received in your life and how many of those do you actually remember.

I did a very rough calculation and it came to about 450 and I can list very few; the most prominent memory was a watch at around 12 and a transistor radio a few years later (now that is showing my age!!!). I suspect I desperately wanted those things as a teenager.

What makes a gift memorable?

I am sure there is a multiplicity of reasons but possibly it is a gift handmade by a loved one, or where they have clearly gone to great effort to give us something of value. Still even with that, over the years and multiplicity of presents and life’s transitions, we lose track of the gifts we have been given. Is this because we are given so many (compared with a child receiving one of

the Samaritan Purse Christmas shoeboxes) or is it because things eventually wear out, get lost or lose their value?

• A gift of love and sacrifice (John 3:16; Philippians 3:5-10).

The gift of Love, the gift of Sacrifice, even the gift of Presence can be gifts that last a lifetime. Many people are so grateful for parents who skimped and saved so their children could get a good education. Others like me are so grateful for parents who demonstrated unconditional love. Others can point to being welcomed by a friend’s family or by in-laws in such a way that they feel they belong. These are gifts that have profound and in some cases eternal impact.

At Christmas we are reminded of a memorable gift that has global and eternal consequences.

• A gift of presence - Jesus Immanuel - God with us (Matthew 1:23) • A gift of promise - Jesus the Saviour (Luke 2:11)

Now that is some gift – no wonder the Angel told the shepherds: “I bring you good news of great joy for everyone.

The Saviour- yes the Messiah, the Lord has been born tonight” and then the Angels sang at the top of their voices: “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth to all whom God favours”.

Now this is a gift too good to forget, a gift that will last for eternity, a gift to be treasured and shared. This Christmas in amongst all the other gifts how will we express our thanks & indebtedness to God’s amazing generosity & provision in sending Jesus? We can do this by sharing what we have received- seeking to represent Jesus in the way we are present to people and the way we present Jesus as the greatest gift of all.

• A gift of hope and joy (Luke 1:32,33 & 2:11)

Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN

Thanks be to

God

for his

indescribable

2 Corinthians 9:15

gift

THE MUSIC PROJECT: SINGING FOR HOPESTREET 4

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

When an aged care facility in Canberra decided to fundraise for Sydney’s homeless community in Woolloomooloo, it was heavenly music that they chose to deliver their message of care and compassion.

The Devotionals, as they are known, are a 12 strong staffbased choir at BaptistCare Griffith who have released a single - He Lives In Me (Joshua’s Song) - on iTunes and Google Play as part of a new fundraising campaign for BaptistCare HopeStreet.

The choir formed in late 2014 with their Regional Operations Manager Residential - Southern, John Bonnici, as songwriter and creative director.

John said the choir quickly became a tight knit group, coming together regularly to perform their heartfelt songs for their elderly residents.

“Before too long, He Lives In Me (Joshua’s Song), became entrenched in the choir and we decided we wanted to do more.

BaptistCare HopeStreet and the

“we chose to come together to lend our voices to those who all too often go unheard”

important programs it provides was something we all felt passionate about so we chose to come together to lend our voices to those who all too often go unheard,” said John.

One of the longest serving non-profit organisations in Woolloomooloo, BaptistCare HopeStreet works with those who are living with homelessness, addiction, mental health and legal issues.

After hours of practice, the choir went into a recording studio along with a film crew to record the experience, and created their first single.

The fundraising campaign was

Film producer & lead singer, Nancy Mahina then launched on the streets of Woolloomooloo during Anti-Poverty Week (11 - 17 October), which aims to educate and strengthen people’s understanding of the causes and consequences of poverty and hardship.

BaptistCare HopeStreet Manager, Matt Young, said he was excited to see BaptistCare staff coming together from across all areas of the organisation to support HopeStreet and the homeless clients it cares for daily.

“In Australia, there are more than 105,000 homeless people on any given night. And the figures are on the rise,” said Matt.

“The journey into homelessness and poverty is not something that many people would (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2015

5

The Devotionals at HopeStreet

consider, let alone plan for.

It only takes a few setbacks like the loss of employment, a relationship breakdown, a major health issue or an accident to weaken our foundations, and literally within weeks, our whole world can crumble and we are without the means to maintain secure housing.”

“People experiencing homelessness is one of our

6

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

nation’s biggest issues and it’s a time for us as individuals and as communities to stand up and help make a difference.”

The single - He Lives In Me (Joshua’s Song) - is available now and will be accompanied by further songs in coming months, with people encouraged to buy the song and get behind the new HopeStreet fundraising campaign.

The single is available for $1.69 on iTunes and Google Play using the key search words “Nancy Mahina”.

Press play to watch the story behind the Music Project

NEW COMMUNITY HOUSING DEVELOPMENT UNDERWAY IN LISMORE Construction has begun on Lismore’s newest community housing development, with BaptistCare starting work at 26-30 Dibbs Street, Lismore in early November.

The former Maranoa Centre site is being redeveloped into a community housing development, providing vital low-cost housing for seniors in the Northern Rivers region.

Construction is expected to take approximately seven months, with completion due around May 2016.

The community housing development will comprise 20 single level units, featuring quality designed housing that maximises environmental sustainability, while allowing for flexibility and adaptability to meet a tenant’s changing needs.

“Affordable housing is a significant priority for BaptistCare. We believe that all seniors should have access to secure and safe housing as they age, alongside access

Tim Maltby, BaptistCare Project Manager onsite at Lismore. to additional care services as required,” said Mr Mike Furner, General Manager Housing & Retirement Living.

“The average age of our residents in community housing is 73 and 78% of our clients live alone.”

“It’s so important that older Australians have the support they need to live their life to the full – housing, care services, as well as a landlord who cares just as much about them as the property they live in, which is rare. And it’s why we’re doing what we do.”

“We have a second community housing location just around the corner on Dalziell Street, and

further locations across Sydney, the Blue Mountains and Goulburn.”

In February this year, BaptistCare was recognised for its commitment to housing, receiving its certification as a community housing provider under the new National Regulatory System for Community Housing.

Press play to hear from our community

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2015

7

VOLUNTEERS BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS

THROUGH PASTORAL CARE

As local populations expand and busy schedules take over, it’s easy to live our lives without really connecting with the community around us.

A group of volunteers in training 8

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Gone are the days where it’s common to have a cuppa with a neighbour while the kids run around the backyard. Even borrowing a cup of sugar from the lady across the street has been replaced with a quick trip to the local store. For many elderly members of the community in particular, social isolation has become the new norm.

BaptistCare is reconnecting the community through a Volunteer Pastoral Care Visitors Program, providing emotional and spiritual support to seniors currently receiving care and assistance to live in their own homes.

The volunteer program creates a platform where participants, who are active in their local church, can sit down and connect with the BaptistCare clients who live within their community. This sets up relationships where they converse on a continual basis.

Jenni Burnelek of Northwest Community Baptist Church was inspired to join the program in its pilot intake late last year and has enjoyed the opportunity to connect with people she wouldn’t usually come across.

“I really love that the program connects me to the local community, and people in it who I wouldn’t usually meet. There is a wealth of knowledge and experience there that I’d have missed otherwise.”

“I get a lot out of the visits,” says Jenni, who organises her visits after she finishes her morning work shift. “It’s interesting and thought provoking to listen to the lives they’ve lived and experiences they’ve had, and it puts things into perspective for me as I age.”

The program facilitates a free interactive pastoral care course that runs for two hours a week over eight weeks and includes practical work alongside established chaplains. It helps to develop vital skills such as exploring issues of loss and grief, how experiences shape our lives, and how ageing changes our experiences.

“The course is great. It provides

Pastoral Care Volunteer Jenni Burnelek (left)

social skills to draw on, not only for the visits, but for everyday life, talking to family and friends.

The practical component gives you the confidence to venture out on your own,” says Jenni.

Ross Wakeley, Program Coordinator, has seen the initiative develop to the next stage. It will now focus on seven locations over the next two years where BaptistCare has the highest number of home care clients, including Liverpool, Penrith, Auburn, Narellan, Central Coast, Wagga Wagga and Macquarie Park.

“The vision is to build appropriate relationships and give pastoral care to people through passionate local volunteers,” says Ross. “Each volunteer is provided a list of around 15 people. They then give two hours of their time to visit two people each week.

Once they’ve seen everyone, they start from the top. It’s driven by relationships - not tasks or agendas.”

encouraging with over 17 volunteers from 4 churches participating in the first round of training in Wagga and 30 people from 10 local churches in the Northern Sydney region. A total of 62 people have graduated from the course since it began.

“It’s exciting to see what God is doing with this amazing program.

I have been blessed to be a part of it. Truly it is more blessed to give than to receive, especially when we can give within such a fabulous supportive context!” says Jenni.

For more information on how you can get involved, visit baptistcare.org.au/vpcv or contact Ross at rwakeley@ baptistcare.org.au or call 0417 022 541.

Press play to watch our Pastoral Carers

The initial response has been www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summar 2015

9

HIGH TEAS SECURE HOSPITALITY AWARD FOR MARANOA A hark back to the high teas of yesteryear and a commitment to outstanding laundry services has seen BaptistCare Maranoa Centre announced as the Joint 2015 National Winner in the Catering Innovation of the Year at the annual OSCAR Aged Care Hospitality National Awards.

McKee, said she was delighted when she received the nomination, only to go on and take out the award.

“We are always looking for ways of making our residents’ lives a little more special, so that is how the idea of holding a series of high teas came about,” she said.

Greg Price & Lynne McKee Now in their fifth year, the awards recognise excellence in aged care catering, cleaning and laundry services.

BaptistCare Maranoa Centre was one of six finalists in the Catering Innovation of the Year category, while Maranoa Laundry Supervisor, Louise Damen, was also one of five finalists in the category of Laundry Services Individual of the Year.

BaptistCare Maranoa Centre Hotel Services Manager, Lynne 10

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

“We designed beautiful invitations for all of our residents and encouraged them to dress up in their Sunday best.”

“The staff wore lovely white lace aprons so they really looked the part. They served scrumptious cakes and sandwiches on a gorgeous collection of china plates and poured teas from a selection of novelty teapots which made for an interesting afternoon’s conversation.”

“The loveliest moment was when one of our residents asked if she could have a tea cup and saucer

instead of her usual plastic two handled cup. When she received it and was assisted in drinking the cup of tea, the smile on her face was just amazing.”

BaptistCare Maranoa Centre has held three high teas this year, with the last one taking place in July for the residents in the centre’s Dementia Unit.

Lynne also congratulated Laundry Supervisor, Louise Damen, on her well-deserved nomination.

“Louise has only been in her role for 15 months but already she has implemented some great changes including the introduction of ‘Bed Room Bundles’ featuring full sets of linen for new residents with a small gift – a pair of socks or handkerchiefs with the person’s name on them,” she said.

“Louise has a great passion for teamwork and tremendous empathy for our residents and their families. She is committed to ensuring the best care is taken when laundering our residents’ clothes.”

“As she says, many of the items have been hand knitted by the residents and they would have taken great care when washing them when they were in their own home so it should be no different now they are living in an aged care facility.�

The national winners from each award category were announced at the Aged Care Hospitality National Awards Gala Dinner on Friday 30 October 2015.

High Tea during Spring at Maranoa Centre

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST

11

LIVING WELL, DYING WELL FORUM ENDS ON HIGH NOTE A standing ovation signalled the end of an incredibly inspiring day when Graeme Atkins – a singer and songwriter living with Younger Onset Dementia – closed the 2015 BaptistCare Dementia Forum with a very special musical performance.

Graeme and his partner Susan Murphy were a highlight of the ‘Living Well, Dying Well’ program, sharing their dementia story with more than 240 forum delegates at the WatervieW, Sydney Olympic Park.

Susan told the forum of the challenges faced by the pair in dealing with various government departments and medical practitioners before Graeme took to the stage to share his heartfelt and humourous songs.

Susan and Graeme have been together for 30 years and both were high school teachers before Susan’s mother was diagnosed with dementia in 2002.

From the difficulties involved in being diagnosed, to the isolation experienced by those living with dementia, Graeme’s music provided a beautiful insight into the couple’s resilience and positivity in the face of an often frustrating and confusing dementia journey.

Susan eventually gave up working to become her mother’s full-time carer and then in 2009, Graeme was also diagnosed with dementia when he was just 54 years old.

Sadly, Susan’s mother passed away in 2013 and Susan is now Graeme’s full-time carer - and so much more, as she told the forum.

on-going education to help remove the social stigma and enable people living with dementia to continue to enjoy a meaningful and fulfilling life.

The 2015 BaptistCare Dementia Forum included presentations from a range of high profile speakers including the Hon. John Watkins AM, CEO of Alzheimer’s Australia NSW; Associate Professor Lee-Fay Low from the University of Sydney; and Dementia Consultant Trudy Neal from Alzheimer’s Australia VIC.

Their joint presentation highlighted the need for

“I am his partner, his carer, his nurse, his secretary, his manager, his personal assistant, his extra memory bank, his chef, his chauffeur, his roadie, his groupie and his number one fan - without me, this gig couldn’t happen.”

In 2011, Susan was named NSW Caring Partner of the Year and she was made an ambassador to raise awareness of the important roles that carers play in our communities.

12

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Susan Murphy & Graeme Atkins

CELEBRATING A CENTENARY WITH ALF BOURNE Reaching a milestone 100th birthday is more than enough reason for celebrating for most, but Alf Bourne is not your average centenarian.

A painting of Alf by Barbara Porter, BaptistCare resident A resident of BaptistCare Dorothy Henderson Lodge, Alf not only turned 100 on Sunday 25 October but was also recently announced as a Senior Finalist in the NSW Volunteer of the Year Awards (Hornsby/ North West region).

Alf has been serving as a volunteer Chaplain to aged care residents at BaptistCare’s Macquarie Park site since he moved there in 2002 but has been dedicated to volunteering as a Chaplain in various capacities over the past 40 years.

Ross Cochrane, BaptistCare Chaplain, said Alf may be slowing down but his commitment and heart to serve is as enthusiastic as always.

“Alf is a volunteer Chaplain of Chaplains with a quiet

Press play to watch Alf

Alf Bourne at his Birthday celebrations confidence and infectious enthusiasm that is disarming and charming; a gentleman who is both sensitive and engaging in his visits,” said Ross.

“Alf is always seeking out opportunities to share devotions, lead worship and offer prayers for residents and their families.

In his spare time Alf devotes himself to spending time with new residents to ensure they feel welcome and with those who are lonely or not well.”

Since the early 1980’s, Alf played Santa at Eastwood Shopping Centre and then Carlingford Court shopping Centre. Over 30 years later Alf is still dressing up as Santa each Christmas, now with the people of BaptistCare’s Macquarie Park aged care facilities.

Alf attributes his long life in part to his love of volunteering and helping others.

“I do enjoy the volunteering because it is in giving that you receive. My life is in God’s hands but volunteering has always given me a lovely sense of purpose,” said Alf. Alf was born in Petersham in 1915 and grew up in Sydney’s inner west, marrying his wife, Grace, in Tempe in 1943. Alf lost Grace after 58 years of marriage in 2001, but is a very proud father, grandfather and now great-grandfather to his two great-grandsons, Logan and Edward.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2015

13

FOOD SUPPORT VOLUNTEERS

Our Community Centres provide food security programs to assist people who are struggling to make ends meet.

Many families across Australia aren’t able to fill their pantries or their stomachs. Our volunteers help to stock shelves, prepare warm meals & arrange food packs, and can also lend a hand through our opportunity shops & community development programs.

Visit our website baptistcare.org.au/volunteer and join our team.

14

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

CELEBRATING COMMUNITY THROUGH VOLUNTEERING

During my time serving with HopeStreet in Woolloomooloo I remember a time I needed to intervene in a scuffle between two guys who were having a disagreement over some belongings. When one of the men started to turn on me I was surprised but also relieved as the onlooking homeless community chimed in with a call to leave me alone, insisting, “he’s with us.”

What I realised was that very quickly the people I had come to work ‘for’ actually considered me to be part of their community.

I had moved from working ‘for’ to serving ‘with’ in a very short period of time. The relationship had shifted to a more equal footing and I was invited to be part of their community, albeit a fringe dweller.

As I have the great privilege of visiting the staff and volunteers across a range of BaptistCare services I’m constantly reminded that community often develops as people have the opportunity to work and serve alongside one another. The volunteers I support can be caught off guard by this at first, but end up cherishing the friendships and connections that develop over time with individuals, families and the community.

Thomas is one such volunteer who serves as part of the team at BaptistCare Mayfield Community Centre. He has been attending the centre weekly throughout this year and has quickly become part of the community. Thomas shares that,

“as a volunteer you find yourself becoming part of their life as well, and they look forward to seeing you and I sit down and have a chat like I’m just talking to a friend. I personally have an investment in this community.

It is a community you can come and be part of and be proud of.”

Speaking about her friendships with the residents, Gail from BaptistCare Warabrook shares

“As a volunteer you find yourself becoming part of their life as well, and they look forward to seeing you and I sit down and have a chat like I’m just talking to a friend.” Thomas, BaptistCare Volunteer

that “those kinds of relationships are pretty easy to fall into when you have people who just really want to make some friends and want to talk to people.”

Each week volunteers like Thomas, Gail and many others serve clients and residents by offering friendship and companionship. In doing so they create and experience community amongst the people they serve.

It’s this community that we celebrate

Brendan Wood BAPTISTCARE VOLUNTEERS MANAGER

and encourage, and it’s this community that values people and connects with people who might be feeling lonely or socially isolated.

We invite you to consider joining this growing community as well. There are more than 1000 volunteer stories of joy and laughter, of walking with someone as they experience change of residence or circumstances, or opportunities to be a friend and provide encouragement. As Gail says of her volunteer experience, “volunteering is the best job I’ve ever had; it’s fantastic!”

You can get a copy of the Celebrating Community DVD by emailing volunteering@ baptistcare.org.au.

Press play to see our volunteer community

15

CREATING STRO Caring for a loved one living with Dementia is extremely challenging on both a physical and emotional level.

This road is even more difficult when you feel you have to go it alone. BaptistCare’s Stronger Carers Peer Support program is lightening the load and creating real impact in the lives of individuals dealing with this substantial role.

Debbie Gili, mother of two, works four days a week in Admin at a school on top of caring for her mother, Ruth, who is both blind and living with dementia. It is no small task.

After the passing of her father, Debbie realised how dependant her mother had been on him, undertaking the extra cleaning, cooking, shopping and banking.

“Initially blindness was Mum’s main disability, however, since January, my two siblings and I began noticing the beginning of what we now understand to be a deterioration in her cognitive behaviour due to dementia,” says Debbie.

access to services. That’s where this program has come into its own… having someone help me who has been there, ridden the journey, and can guide me in the right direction.”

“The other challenge I face is dealing with Mum’s dementia and how to communicate with her. I talk to Sue about how to cope. She provides strategies without making me feel like I am seeking assistance because I am not coping.”

The program was originally a Government Funded initiative, yet despite its success, ongoing funding could not be secured. In continuing to deliver support to individuals, the program is now run on a volunteer basis, with BaptistCare offering a training program to equip volunteer coaches with the means of helping carers.

Kerry Martin, Stronger Carers Peer Support Facilitator, says feedback on the program has been very positive. “Carers are telling us how great it

As one of the carers registered to receive support through the program, Debbie has been allocated a Volunteer Coach, Sue Martin, who as a previous recipient of the Stronger Carers program, has her own personal experience as a carer.

“For me, the challenge has been twofold,” says Debbie, “Trying to get all the help, and all the information, and gain 16

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Debbie Gili, mother of two & carer for her mother.

is to have someone to talk to who truly understands what they are going through,” says Kerry.

“An unexpected benefit of the program is the impact it has had on the volunteer coaches. They report feeling satisfied and happy in knowing they’re making a positive difference to the lives of carers.”

We are seeking volunteers with an understanding of dementia to partner with individuals caring for loved ones living with dementia in NSW/ACT. Please contact 02 9346 1230 or email homeservicesintake@ baptistcare.org.au to register your interest.

“It’s important to know you are not the only one going through it.”

ONGER CARERS Sue Martin knows exactly how helpful the BaptistCare Stronger Carers program can be. In fact, it made such an impact on her life, in caring for her husband Tony, who has been diagnosed with younger onset semantic dementia, that she has rejoined the program to offer her support to other carers as a volunteer coach.

“The program was excellent. It provided strategies. Sometimes it’s just the simple things, like having someone to chat with when you don’t have anyone who understands,” says Sue. “It’s important to know you are not the only one going through it. And finding out that all the emotions, like being angry, upset or depressed, are really quite common because it is a tricky journey, and it is sad,” says Sue. “It helps to come to an acceptance of what you are dealing with.”

living in the moment and making time for your self. “I think women particularly find that hard to do, because we are the nurturers and carers. We seem to revert to the mother role, where we really need to look after ourselves.

And a lot of women don’t think that their needs are as important as the

person they are caring for, but they are. You have to be the best that you can be to look after your loved one,” says Sue. “I have learnt that it’s okay to have a life that keeps you sustained so that you are stronger to care for that person.”

If you are caring for someone living with dementia in NSW/ACT and interested in this program, please contact 02 9346 1230 or email homeservicesintake@ baptistcare.org.au.

The coach role goes beyond vital listening and emotional support, to include practical approaches to make life easier. “You help carers get in touch with different services like Alzheimer’s Australia. The whole government thing is a bit of a minefield, and if you haven’t had any experience doing it, it can be a bit tricky.”

Other vital coping strategies include practising mindfulness,

Volunteer Coach Sue Martin www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Winter 2015

17

A GIFT FOR GEORGIA Can you add one more gift to your Christmas list this year?

This year, some children will wake up on Christmas day not knowing it’s a special day.

There will be no gifts to exchange. No tree to light up. No Christmas lunch, church visit or joyful family gatherings.

There are no holidays from domestic violence Worse still, children are silent victims. They are born into chaotic, violent family relationships with no control or choice about what happens.

So this year, BaptistCare is going to share the kindness of strangers.

Every single child under our care will receive at least one Christmas gift. It may be the only gift they receive.

To do this, we need a helping hand. We’re asking you to donate the price of an extra Christmas gift for a child this year.

18

TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

As well as a physical gift, this symbolic gesture gives young children hope that their lives may change for the better. Through your generosity, we’re showing them that someone, somewhere, is thinking about them.

THERE ARE NO HOLIDAYS FROM DOMESTIC VIOLENCE One of these gifts will be given to a young girl called Georgia*.

Georgia’s father is an alcoholic and violent towards her mother.

He also controls the family finances. When all the money had been spent last year the family had to live in a tent for a while.

When Georgia, her mother and younger brother arrived at BaptistCare Crisis Accommodation they were invited to attend the Break Free Afterschool Program, created by BaptistCare two years ago.

Break Free is a group for school aged children and teenagers who range in age from 5-14, and are either living at our crisis or transitional housing or have moved out from the refuge and continue to keep in touch for the children to access the group.

This program helps children living with domestic violence to cope with their difficult and often frightening home life, and provides these children the opportunity to socialize with their peers who have experienced similar circumstances.

The program provides a safe, calm environment where children receive professional counselling, learn to express their feelings and complete homework in peace. There’s also a male

chaplain who offers a positive male influence and role model.

After attending for three terms, Georgia’s confidence grew and she often turned up to use the computers for her homework or for encouragement about a school project she was working on.

The past does not define the future Georgia’s school grades started improving and when she received her first award it was for ‘Most Improved Student’.

The award also proved to Georgia that the past doesn’t have to define your future.

Her family have moved on but she keeps in contact with us and wants to return and volunteer to help other children when she is 18.

Can you help us to make Christmas special this year for other children like Georgia?

Turn an ordinary day into Christmas day By supporting us now you’ll be making a huge difference to children suffering from domestic violence.

Thank you for caring enough to make a difference. Many charities ask for help over Christmas and we are humbled by our growing band of supporters who choose to trust us with their donation.

Your gift will give a young child untold joy on Christmas day and teach them that the kindness of strangers is never far away. This is the true spirit of Christmas.

You can return the attached envelope with your gift, or visit baptistcare.org.au/donate to make your secure online donation.

“My reason I like coming to the Break Free is I like to see Jason and meet other people and playing sport.”

Brandon* “I feel good because I meet new people. The people that I meet is nice and they’re good at group.”

Sophie* “You are the best in the whole wide world. I like group really much because I meet new friends.

I like it really much because my team won the first time I came to group. I learn so much from you in group. On Monday it was fun and I like the movie Frozen.

On Tuesday I liked making loom bands.”

Jasmine* “I love this group because you meet new friends and have fun. You get to share anything because everyone is trustworthy.

We are all nice to each other and have respect for each other.

I love coming because I feel welcome from everyone and I feel comfortable.”

Ted*

*names changed to protect the privacy of our clients www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2015

19

STAGE 2 REGISTER NOW

STAGE 1 SOLD OUT

ACT NOW!

NEW RELEASE – JUST LAUNCHED Kellyville’s architecturally designed community, The Gracewood, has just released Stage 2 of its award winning independent living apartments, with Stage 1 completely sold out.

But Hurry. A limited number of 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are available, so register your interest today.

REGISTER FOR FIRST CHOICE ON

1800 116 550

8 Free Settlers Drive, Kellyville (off Memorial Ave)

thegracewood.org.au 20

TRUST Summer 2014 | www.baptistcare.org.au