TRUST Autumn 2016

MAGAZINE

IN MEMORY OF TARA NORTHERN EXPOSURE: NEW SERVICES IN NORTHERN RIVERS

$10 MILLION UPGRADE FOR NIOLA Autumn Edition 2016 • 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

As we bring you this issue of TRUST, the BaptistCare team is gearing up for the first National Family Violence Summit in our nation’s capital on March 17 and 18. As proud sponsors of this two-day event, driven by The Tara Costigan Foundation, we look forward to the progress it makes in uniting all sectors to end family violence in Australia.

You can read how we are working closely with The Tara Costigan Foundation to raise awareness and funding for women and children at risk of family violence (page 5).

We are also ramping up for The Halo Ball in Sydney on 27 May. We hope you can join us for this exciting fundraising event at the Sofitel Sydney Wentworth (page 7).

To subscribe to our TRUST e-magazine email events@baptistcare.org.au 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

We explore the new identity of BaptistCare HopeStreet’s pathways to employment program on page 8. HopeEnterprises gives workplaces and individuals the chance to make a difference in their community through use of a competitive service.

BaptistCare Niola Centre, modernising the trusted aged care facility serving the Parkes Shire for almost 60 years (page 10).

You can also read an encouraging story from one of our residents about settling in to The Gracewood, which is currently releasing Stage 2 of retirement living, on page 13.

The Gracewood continues to be a place where our residents are enjoying a tight knit community, and it’s wonderful to witness.

Our regional group manager Scott Pilgrim is keeping us up to date on engaging with communities and local churches in Northern NSW on page 16.

In closing, I encourage you to reflect on what Easter means to us as Christians, and I thank you for your contribution to our caring ministry, as together we seek to transform lives.

Thank you for your ongoing support of all that we do.

Our $10 million refurbishment program has commenced at 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.

PEOPLE OF INTEGRITY Recently my wife and I were staying in a motel which advertised free Wi-Fi. Fortunately that was not the only reason why we booked the motel because, as it turned out, the only place I could access the internet was on the stairwell!

When I asked the manager why I couldn’t access the Wi-Fi she responded, “Oh, you can only get that in the public area, that’s why it is free.”

I was not impressed. Her answer lacked integrity and she had no intention of resolving the issue.

As we checked out, the “Free Internet” sign was still being prominently displayed and no doubt many more customers will have the same unhelpful conversation that I did.

Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN

certainly wouldn’t be letting her wash his feet.

our “little sins” they grow into “big sins”.

Jesus was not impressed with their response. It lacked integrity, as he knew they were not as pure and holy as they portrayed.

Jesus forgives the woman's sins and says to her “Your faith has saved you; go in peace.”

Rarely, if ever, does someone decide on the spur of the moment to pursue a severely destructive or criminal lifestyle.

There are many decisions and actions a person makes over time that lead to this destructive pattern of behaviour. All sin has consequences. No matter how much we convince ourselves that our selfishness and failure is little - or that it only involves us someone else always gets hurt.

The sad thing about this story is that the religious leaders did not acknowledge their own Lack of integrity in sinfulness and therefore others is very easy were unable to receive to pick. It is not “It is not Jesus' forgiveness as easy to what we profess in for themselves. recognise it public, but where we in ourselves.

We have all walk and what we been appalled Jesus tells practice in secret that at revelations the story during the Royal gives us integrity” in Luke 7 Commission into of a woman - Sir Francis Child Sexual Abuse. who washes Bacon We rightly expect more Jesus' feet of our spiritual leaders. with her tears and However we, myself included, dries them with her find it very easy to condemn hair. Jesus is in the house of a other people’s sinfulness prominent religious leader & (selfishness) and struggle to see his colleagues. They point out or admit to our own sinfulness. very quickly that if Jesus was really spiritual he would know Unfortunately though, if we how sinful this woman was and keep on excusing or minimising

So let’s work at being people of courage who are prepared to confess our sin, receive God’s forgiveness and work at being people of integrity.

“Since you have heard about Jesus and have learned the truth that comes from him, throw off your old sinful nature and your former way of life, which is corrupted by lust and deception. Instead, let the Spirit renew your thoughts and attitudes. Put on your new nature, created to be like God—truly righteous and holy.”

Ephesians 4:21-24

CALLING ALL ANGELS CREATING REAL CHANGE FOR VICTIMS OF FAMILY VIOLENCE

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Tara Costigan was a valued employee at BaptistCare and a vivacious, much-loved mum of three.

Tara was brutally murdered in February 2015 by her former partner, whom she held a Domestic Violence Order against. She was holding her five-day-old baby girl at the time of the attack.

Tara’s death evoked an unprecedented outpouring of sympathy from the Canberra community, and one month later over 5000 people joined Tara’s

family and her BaptistCare Home Services team to walk around Lake Burley Griffin for the first Tara’s Walk for Change.

and care, however there is a gap in what services and protection is available for women seeking refuge from abusive relationships.

This year’s Walk for Change (Saturday, March 19, 8am) will fittingly close the first National Family Violence Summit in Canberra, driven by the Tara Costigan Foundation and proudly sponsored by BaptistCare.

Working together for change

The problem Family violence is a national epidemic with one in three women affected in their lifetime, and around 80 women killed every year. Those affected need adequate protection, services

BaptistCare and The Tara Costigan Foundation are working together to close the gap by providing immediate support and creating a safe environment for individuals and families affected by family violence.

BaptistCare has been a frontline service provider for this cause for more than 30 years, with services including assisting (continued next page) www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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women and children with crisis accommodation and long-term housing, emergency finances, no-interest loans, and specialised counselling services.

The Tara Costigan Foundation will offer a unique approach as a service provider through the provision of ‘Tara’s Angels’, around-the-clock caseworkers for at risk women. You can read more about the Angels at taracostiganfoundation.com Through the National Family Violence Summit in March and the inaugural upcoming Halo Ball in Sydney in May, both organisations are raising funds, education and awareness, and lobbying for positive change to the epidemic of family violence in Australia.

Tara Costigan

#TOGETHER WE ARE STRONG Australia’s front-line service providers, thought leaders and political decision makers are gearing up for the first National Family Violence Summit in our nation’s capital on March 17 and 18.

Including addresses from both the Prime Minister and Leader of the Opposition, this two-day event aims to create real change in defeating family violence in our communities through a ‘Together We are Strong’ approach of uniting all sectors.

Presentations, keynote addresses, policy debate and panel discussions will produce a comprehensive report, which 6

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will be presented to the Prime Minister for an annual statement to the House of Representatives.

The report is intended to drive policy, programs, debate and cohesion in how Australia defeats family violence.

Founder and CEO of The Tara Costigan Foundation, Michael Costigan, said his ultimate aim is to unite one coordinated mission, across all sectors, to end family violence in Australia.

“The report to government from the Summit will engender confidence in the sector’s collaborative effectiveness, and

demonstrate clear accountability measures for ongoing funding and policy support,” he said.

Two of BaptistCare’s own domestic violence specialists, Diane Coleman and Bruce Chan, will present at the Summit, and the closing address is to be delivered by 2016 Australian of the Year retired Lieutenant General David Morrison AO. Tara’s Walk for Change will close the event, taking place on Saturday 19 March at 8am, leaving from Patrick White Lawns, Canberra.

The Halo Ball In May, BaptistCare and The Tara Costigan Foundation will co-host the Halo Ball in Sydney to raise vital funds to support women and children impacted by family violence.

This fine dining event will take place on Friday 27 May at the five star, heritage-listed Sofitel Sydney Wentworth.

A special performance from Newtown High School of the Performing Arts will also commence the evening.

This exciting evening provides an opportunity for businesses and individuals to be influential in support of the cause and help raise awareness, while enjoying a night full of live entertainment.

Go to haloball.org.au to buy your tickets

Television personality Natarsha Belling will be the Master of Ceremonies, with live entertainment from Australia’s most loved comedian Vince Sorrenti, Australia’s leading pop group Justice Crew and the NSW Police Rock Band, featuring award-winning vocalist and The Voice Australia contender, Belinda Adams.

How you can help…

While Tara’s memory remains a driving force behind this movement of change, Tara now represents all women, children and men that have lost their lives or had their concept of love and safety in a family environment shattered by violence. Here’s how you can help drive change…

Buy tickets or sponsor the Halo Ball Gather your colleagues, friends or family members and book a table at the Halo Ball. Funds raised will directly support BaptistCare’s frontline services for women and children and the Tara Costigan Foundation’s Tara’s Angels for at-risk women.

Go to haloball.org.au to secure your place.

Advocate Get involved in events like the National Family Violence Summit and Tara’s Walk for Change. Suitable candidates can apply to be Tara’s Angels. Visit taracostiganfoundation.com for more information.

Be a voice for change. Violent, controlling and manipulating behaviours are not acceptable attitudes in our society and all Australians need to stand up against them. Together, we are strong. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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SIMPLE SERVICES MAKING A

DIFFERENCE Imagine the difference you could make if every time you hired a Gardener or a Cleaner for your home or office, you were also helping someone gain important skills and employment experience.

And not only that, but every dollar you spend goes back into making a direct and positive impact in the community.

Driven by a clear purpose of making a difference to those in need, BaptistCare HopeEnterprises has harnessed this opportunity

by delivering a professional and commercial service while creating new beginnings for people struggling to enter the workforce.

On top of this, the service will generate funds to support BaptistCare’s Community Services programs, with a focus on women’s wellbeing and family services.

“The first is to provide a professional, competitive service in the area of general cleaning, garden and lawn care, hospitality, home-based modifications for the elderly, basic HopeStreet + maintenance and HopeEnterprises = handy work,” he A continuation said.

of the story of hope

HopeEnterprises Operations Manager, Gordon Buxton, explains there are three key objectives to HopeEnterprises that differentiate the business from all other commercial services.

“The second is to provide a pathway to employment for people who are marginalised, who have been long-time unemployed, for youth and for refugees.”

Accredited traineeships are already in place across Sydney and Canberra, and provide TAFE Certificate 2 qualifications as well as pathways to apprenticeships and employment.

Participants work alongside qualified professionals in each of the service areas, with a ratio of one trainee to five professionals on the job, working to maintain quality outcomes.

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TRUST Summer 2015 | www.baptistcare.org.au

“The third objective is to support BaptistCare’s Community Services programs in funding various missional activities. Over the next year, our goal is to have sufficient funds to recruit two domestic violence counsellors, one in Sydney, one in Canberra, and a CALD caseworker for our women’s health and wellbeing services at HopeStreet in the inner city of Sydney,” said Gordon.

“In working relationships, we want to partner with BaptistCare facilities as well as external businesses and individuals, and it’s important to us that everyone involved understands and appreciates these objectives.”

HopeEnterprises is also currently developing a ‘School to Employment Transition Program’ with a high school in the Blue Mountains to assist troubled youth to step into training and careers rather than unemployment.

For more information on how you can support HopeEnterprises to help make positive change in your community, contact Gordon Buxton on gbuxton@ baptistcare.org.au or phone 02 9023 2669/ 0434 223 469.

HOPEENTERPRISES Training & education for those in need

Objectives

Professional, competitive service

Every dollar goes back into community

You Can Help By Booking A Service...

At home general cleaning services Spring cleaning and detailed all year round cleaning services garden and lawn care general home maintenance and repairs

At work general cleaning services general office maintenance landscaping, and minor repairs garden and lawn care specialist and detailed cleaning services

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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$10MILLION UPGRADE

FOR BAPTISTCARE NIOLA CENTRE

BaptistCare Niola Centre will undergo its largest ever upgrade when work commences on a $10 million refurbishment program in March.

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BaptistCare Niola Centre will undergo its largest ever upgrade when work commences on a $10 million refurbishment program in March.

The program will modernise the trusted aged care facility which has been serving the people of the Parkes Shire for almost 60 years.

BaptistCare General Manager Residential, Paull English, said the

major upgrade will improve the centre’s capacity to care for the local community with new beds for an additional seven residents.

“Our new look Niola Centre will offer contemporary accommodation and modern fixtures with the same level of exceptional care and skilled staff that our residents, as well as their family members and friends, have come to expect from us,” he said.

The upgrade will include: • An additional seven beds taking BaptistCare Niola Centre from a 52 to a 59 bed facility • All four bed wards to be replaced with new double and single rooms, each with ensuites • Rooms to be split across three separate wings, each with its own tastefully designed open plan communal area for residents to relax and enjoy activities • A fully-refurbished commercial kitchen • All rooms to receive air conditioning and wallmounted flat screen TVs • Expansion and full renovation to the on-site chapel where church services are regularly held • New nurse-call system • Renovation to reception area

The program will modernise the trusted aged care facility which has been serving the people of the Parkes Shire for almost 60 years.

Illustrations of the new BaptistCare Niola Centre

• Upgrade to external façade on Bushman Street • Installation of a new fire sprinkler system in accordance with the Environmental Planning and Assessment Regulation 2000.

The upgrade is expected to be complete by March 2017. www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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HALF MILLION DOLLAR COMMUNITY LOAN MILESTONE IN DUBBO Every time Faye Wright succeeds in obtaining a loan for a client at the BaptistCare Dubbo Community Centre she is well aware she is providing far more than just low-interest finance.

“So often my clients have nowhere else to turn and the loan can make a life-transforming difference,” says Mrs Wright, BaptistCare’s Dubbo-based StepUP Client Co-ordinator.

The Dubbo StepUP service exceeded the $500,000 loan mark as 2015 drew to a close, with more than 190 low-income earners having benefited from a loan since the program’s launch in January 2011.

StepUP loans are provided to low-income earners through community providers across many parts of Australia. The service is an initiative of Good Shepherd Microfinance in partnership with National Australia Bank (NAB). Loans of between $800 and $3000 are offered at a fixed low- interest rate of 5.99% with no other fees and charges.

Mrs Wright said it was wonderful to see the response of clients when they received the loan, as for many it was their first successful loan application.

“The loans are provided for practical purposes that make a real difference in the lives of the recipients.”

“It may be for a new car that will allow the client to keep their job, or for much-needed medical treatment that they could not 12

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otherwise afford, or a laptop that will allow the person to study a new course.”

BaptistCare North West Group Manager Scott Pilgrim said his organisation was very excited that Mrs Wright had reached this significant loan milestone and he looked forward to many more clients being supported in the years ahead.

“The Dubbo StepUP service is assisting people from the local area and other parts of Western NSW as well as some clients from very remote parts of the State who are accessing the loan through a telephone application process,” Mr Pilgrim said.

“As well as StepUP, we also provide No Interest Loans [NILS] of up to $1200 at our Dubbo Centre and 285 people have benefited from these loans since January 2011, totalling more than $245,000,” Mr Pilgrim said.

“StepUP and NILS are assisting people with fair and affordable finance and many of our clients would otherwise have to consider loans with exorbitant interest rates and fees from pay day and other fringe lenders.”

“The loans are for provided for practical purposes that make a real difference in the lives of the recipients.”

“Research shows that while our clients greatly benefit from the loan they also highly value the dignity of the loan process and the opportunity to successfully pay off a loan,” Mr Pilgrim said.

Press play to

Faye Wright

learn more about StepUP

ONE BIG FAMILY AT THE GRACEWOOD With the final release of Stage 2 of Kellyville’s award winning community, The Gracewood, now on sale, one happy resident is encouraging local seniors to follow his lead and consider downsizing.

86 year old Paul Schembri was initially reluctant to leave his four-bedroom home in Bella Vista despite feeling lonely after his wife passed away.

“My daughter suggested I should move into a retirement village so that I could have more people to socialise with, but I was not interested as I had never lived in a unit before” he said.

“When I first came to look at The Gracewood I thought it looked like a five star hotel, it was beautiful. I decided I would come and give it a go for three months and if I didn’t like it, I would buy a small place elsewhere. That was two and a half years ago – and I am still here.”

Paul describes his move to The Gracewood as a wonderful decision.

“When I moved here, I felt a big weight released off my shoulders as I found myself being part of a larger family. I am no longer lonely.

We look after each other. I am treated with great respect. I have become a very popular handyman and I love to do little things to help my new family. It was the best decision I have ever made at this stage of my life.”

BaptistCare General Manager, Housing and Retirement Living, Mike Furner says the decision to downsize is naturally very difficult but it comes with many benefits.

“It is often hard but when these large family homes start requiring an increasing level of house and garden maintenance or when physical health becomes an issue, it really is important to consider your options,” he said.

There are more than 184,000 seniors living in retirement villages across Australia. By 2025*, this number will have doubled so Mr Furner said now is the ideal time for older Australians to consider a move to The Gracewood.

“The Gracewood sets a new benchmark in retirement with spacious and modern apartments

Press play to

hear from more of our residents at The Gracewood

Doug and Paul at The Gracewood – courtesy of Hills Shire Times that capture the vistas of the tranquil surroundings and firstclass recreational and community facilities,” he said.

“From working on your fitness in the gym or swimming in the indoor heated pool to relaxing in the library or sitting down to a meal in the club house restaurant – The Gracewood really does boast not only an extensive range of quality services and facilities, but also the things our residents really value – like independence, security and friendships.”

Paul couldn’t agree more.

“All I can say to people thinking about it is – do what I’ve done, come here and give it a go. I am certain that it will be the best decision of your life too.’”

For more information about The Gracewood, please call 1800 116 550. *National Overview of the Retirement Village Sector (2014), Property Council of Australia www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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VOLUNTEER CARER COACHES

Our trained volunteers partner with those caring for loved ones living with dementia, providing practical strategies as well as a listening ear.

Volunteer coaches report feeling satisfied and happy in knowing they’re making a positive difference to the lives of carers. Carers are telling us how great it is to have someone to talk to who truly understand what they are going through.

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

WHY VOLUNTEER? Why donate your time, skills and passion to support and journey alongside others? What difference does it make? Why would almost 1000 people volunteer across BaptistCare in service of others?

Why donate your time, skills and passion to support and journey alongside others?

What difference does it make?

Why would almost 1000 people volunteer across BaptistCare in service of others?

To make a genuine difference to people in their community

We asked our staff and volunteers to tell us how volunteers contribute so significantly to the work they do.

“Carers are telling us how great it is to have someone to talk to who truly understands what they are going through.”

- Kerry Martin, Stronger Carers Peer Support Facilitator Our Stronger Carers Peer Support Program trains volunteers as in-home coaches for those caring for loved ones living with dementia. These volunteer coaches assist carers to understand dementia, access services and support, and provide a listening ear. They make an invaluable difference by being present.

“If I wasn’t involved as a Chaplaincy volunteer, then my life would have been shortened long ago. My life is in God’s hands but volunteering has always given me a lovely sense of purpose,” - Alf Bourne, 100 years young and still volunteering, spending time with lonely and unwell residents at BaptistCare Shalom Centre.

Press play to

To fulfil a deep seated purpose within each of us

“I didn’t know if I wanted to get out into the big wide world, but God was pushing me and I’m glad he did.

To go out there and visit people – I love it,” - Margaret, a graduate of the Pastoral Care Visitors Program.

This program sees volunteer pastoral carers visiting BaptistCare clients in their homes and in our residential centres, offering them friendship and an opportunity to be heard in a genuinely meaningful setting.

One of our volunteers has described the impact of

see Alf Bourne in action

the training and program on themselves:

“It is a course with a heart.

It will inspire you and stir your spirit.”

- Sue Chalk, a graduate of the Pastoral Care Visitors Program Our community of outstanding men and women volunteer every day for the sake of others, for which we are extremely thankful.

They not only make a world of difference for our clients, they transform their own worlds through the simple act of giving.

To enquire about how you can volunteer with BaptistCare please don’t hesitate to contact our Volunteer Service team via 1300 275 227 or at www. baptistcare.org.au/volunteer www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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NORTHERN EXPOSURE Over the last 12 months BaptistCare has commenced new community service initiatives in the Northern Rivers. In this article Community Services North West Operations Group Manager, Scott Pilgrim, writes about some of the encouraging grassroots developments as BaptistCare offers hope to people living with disadvantage.

In my humble opinion From Little Things Big Things Grow is one of the best songs ever written in Australia. The Paul Kelly and Kev Carmody social justice composition strongly resonates with the history and heartbeat of BaptistCare and it reflects the approach we are taking as we seek to grow authentic, grassroots services in the Northern Rivers.

Often at BaptistCare, we have seen a small-faith step to meet a specific need in a local community reap much bigger dividends as that service has expanded to serve people in other communities of disadvantage.

This has been true for services that are now at our core including microfinance loans, counselling, community centres and support for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

our growth strategy, BaptistCare took some key steps in 2015 towards long-term service expansion in the area, including the appointment of Lyn Prentice as our Community Services Development Worker.

The first two services to commence under this model are StreetCare Lismore and No Interest Loans (NILS) at Tweed Heads.

“An important aspect of our Northern Rivers’ vision is the development of sustainable, grassroots services in partnership with local churches.”

For many years BaptistCare has had an established and respected aged care presence in the Northern Rivers.

Building on this and aligned to 16

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In partnership with Lismore Baptist Church, StreetCare is operating on a Friday evening in a local park in Goonellabah, based on a long-term successful

community outreach initiative that BaptistCare has run in Newcastle for more than six years.

StreetCare volunteers engage with individuals and families from the local area, providing a free BBQ and a community connection point from which relationships of trust can develop and referrals to other relevant support services can be made.

In starting small and intentionally not seeking to replicate other community services in Lismore, the local BaptistCare team have their eyes and ears open, looking to what other service gaps and opportunities may arise.

In Tweed Heads, in partnership with Banora Point Community Church, BaptistCare is piloting its first local church based NILS program, providing lowincome earners with fair access to small loans with no fees or interest. Trained volunteers from the church are meeting with prospective loan recipients and conducting the application

The No Interest Loans program provides affordable financial support to Northern Rivers locals. process, with a BaptistCare staff member in Newcastle providing administrative support to the team.

It has been exciting for both parties to see loans begin to flow to members of the local community as well as a number of loan recipients receiving

other support and pastoral care from the local church.

This year has also seen the commencement of a new Housing & Community Chaplain.

Barry Brookes, who has many years of ministry experience in the Northern Rivers area, is a great fit for this expanded

role that includes chaplaincy with BaptistCare social housing residents in Lismore, the new StreetCare volunteer team and clients at the Ballina Men’s Shed.

Over the next 12 months we will explore further community chaplaincy expansion opportunities, as we look at how under this approach we can engage “in-situ” with people living with disadvantage, providing physical, emotional and spiritual support.

This month BaptistCare will commence pilot initiatives in Alstonville and Grafton in partnership with the local Baptist churches in both communities, taking another small faith-step, looking to God to open doors and birth relevant services that express the love of Jesus in practical ways to people in need.

It’s a privilege to be engaged in local communities and work with local churches as together we seek to do little things that we pray will make a big difference in the lives of others.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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HOLIDAYS OR HOLY DAYS?

For many Australians, Easter means just another long weekend and a chance to party, or a family BBQ to farewell summer.

A BaptistCare Supporter “Jesus’ death and resurrection is always important to me, but Easter is a special time for reflection and thankfulness.

The Easter holiday break is a wonderful opportunity to walk the road to the cross with Jesus, feeling some of the weight and grief he carried, and then rejoice with his disciples as they saw him alive again.”

For Christians, it is far more significant than that as it is the commemoration of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ.

What does Easter mean to you?

A senior BaptistCare Manager “The cross and resurrection of Christ are where true hope is found; hope that can give life meaning, direction and certainty. Real hope is deeper than the power of positive thinking and it is authentic, taking the problem of evil and suffering seriously. An empty tomb changes our outlook on any situation that looks hopeless apart from faith.”

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I have a safe place to live with my children and I now feel that there are more people in the world who want to help, than want to hurt me.”

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A BaptistCare Community Centre client Karen* is a young mum of two children (3 and 1) who recently arrived in Australia. She speaks only minimal English and has been struggling to adjust to her new country and surrounds.

She has very recently separated from her husband who had been repeatedly abusive and violent.

In the last incident before she left, her husband attempted to choke her in sight of her children and visiting mother (who speaks no English). Karen believes he would have killed her if she had not been able to break free and run with her children to a neighbour’s house.

Karen was referred to BaptistCare from the local specialist homelessness service. They were full to capacity and unable to help her.

She was homeless, and having broken her lease, was currently staying with a neighbour. She felt unsafe being so close to her former home and it wasn’t

feasible for her to stay there for more than a few days, for fear she would wear out her welcome. She was overwhelmed with the impact from her recent trauma and the demands from the real estate agent to pay for damage done to the house. She was scared to go looking for a new place to live for fear she had been blacklisted.

BaptistCare’s Community Centre Manager at Maitland was able to: - Negotiate with the real estate agent, requesting details of the damage and estimates of the costs to repair, along with commitment not to list her on the Tenancy Database while the BaptistCare team sorted out some of the problems.

The agency never provided this clarification and stopped asking her for the money.

- Provide assistance with finding an appropriate low cost rental house.

now feel that there are more people in the world who want to help, than want to hurt me.”

- Help with linking in with a local supported playgroup to attend with her children.

In the midst of trauma and distress, a window of hope has been opened in Karen’s life.

- Provide a food hamper on moving in to her new place.

At this special time of year, please consider making a meaningful financial gift to support the caring ministry of BaptistCare. Make this Easter a time when we reflect on the goodness of God in sending his Son, Jesus Christ to die on the cross for us.

- Offer general care and support to Karen during this overwhelming time.

Although the help provided might seem relatively simple, it has made a huge, practical difference in Karen’s life. She is extremely thankful for the support she received during this traumatic time.

“Thanks to you and the support you gave me, I feel more hopeful and positive. I have a safe place to live with my children and I

Your gift could make a difference to a person’s view of Easter for many years to come as you help us to transform lives. *Name has been changed to protect privacy

- Provide assistance with accessing tenancy legal advice to give her information about her options.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Autumn 2016

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BAPTISTCARE & THE TARA COSTIGAN FOUNDATION PRESENT THE

Raising much needed funds to help women and children experiencing domestic & family violence

Friday 27 May 2016 Pre-Dinner Drinks 7pm, Dinner 7:30pm Sofitel Sydney Wentworth 61-101 Phillip Street, Sydney

Vince Sorrenti Entertainment

Natarsha Belling Master of Ceremonies

Justice Crew Entertainment

NSW Police Rock Band Entertainment

Tickets Gold Table of Ten $10,000* Silver Table of Ten $5,000* Table of Ten $2,950 Individual Tickets $295 *additional benefits included

To buy tickets or sponsor, visit haloball.org.au Enquiries Melanie Hendra, Melanie Hendra Events on 0407 674 445 or melanie@melaniehendraevents.com

For the full story behind The Halo Ball, see page 4 of TRUST magazine