TRUST Summer 2017

MAGAZINE

ONE IN A MILLION: ALAN'S AWARD WARABROOK SHOWCASES RESIDENT ARTISTS FOCUSING ON PROBLEM GAMBLING Summer Edition 2017 • 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

Welcome to the Summer edition of TRUST Magazine.

As we approach the festive season, we make plans to share meals and create memories with our loved ones, and acknowledge those who play an important role in our lives.

To gather in good company is a privilege, yet all too often we’re reminded that not everyone has this opportunity.

Our BaptistCare programs action genuine care and fellowship year round, and in this edition, we look at the impact our carers have in communities with a glimpse into the lives of a few individuals (page 4, 8 & 16).

We recently celebrated such commitment during 2017 Carer’s Week.

Subscribe to TRUST e-magazine via email Click here to sign up for E-News Like us on Facebook Join the conversation on Twitter

We look at programs enriching lives on a daily basis, from an award-winning radio station (page 6), to art therapy (page 12), and one-on-one woodwork projects (page 14).

Ross Low CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Gambling is one issue we see hinder this, and on page 10 we look at a vital program that offers help to those suffering.

We are also reminded of the stark road to recovery that some families face as survivors of domestic violence (page 18).

While their journey is long, both you and I can help ease the burden they carry this Christmas.

I urge you to give generously to help create a brighter future for these parents and children.

Thank you in advance for your continued support. Wishing you and yours a happy and blessed festive season.

You’ll find a common thread of fellowship, enhancing wellbeing during hardship, and embracing what we, as social beings, require to live a full and happy life.

Connect with us on LinkedIn Phone: 1300 275 227 BaptistCare NSW & ACT ABN 90 000 049 525

Editor - Megan Lloyd Johnson TRUST is the partners’ magazine produced by BaptistCare for its members, donors, supporters, clients, the Baptist Churches of NSW & ACT, and the wider community.

TRUST is distributed quarterly.

THE FAILURE OF

HUMAN WISDOM Have you ever had that experience?

When you are reading a passage in the Bible and a phrase seems to ‘jump right out of the page’, making its presence known in a profound way.

I recently had that experience while reading Joshua 9 with these words: “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD.” God had given the Israelite army victory over their enemies (the inhabitants of Jericho and the people of Ai) and the Gibeonites feared that they will suffer the same fate, so they plan a ruse to deceive Joshua and the Israelite leaders.

Trevor Wight BAPTISTCARE SENIOR CHAPLAIN

The Gibeonites swear that they come from a far off land saying, “This bread was hot in the oven when we left but now as you see it is dry and mouldy.”

Immediately after this declaration we read the words: “So the Israelites examined their food, but they did not consult the LORD.”

What does this passage have to do with a Christmas theme? Can you imagine if the angels or indeed you were given the commission to “If any of you save humanity lacks wisdom, you from their sins?

cross or leave the fate of the global church to a mismatched bunch of uneducated disciples who, even after spending over three years with Jesus, didn’t seem to get what he was on about?

It makes no human sense.

The Gibeonites chose some should ask God, who representatives, I am sure you dressed them gives generously to all would not have in worn-out come up with without finding fault, and clothes, gave the plan of it will be given to you.” them old patched sending Jesus to James 1:5 wineskins, donkeys earth via a human with weathered virgin birth to a saddlebags, and have peasant teenager. Why them carry mouldy bread. When waste thirty years of Jesus’ life approaching Joshua to ask for to achieve victory over Satan and a peace treaty on behalf of the sin? Why not send in Jesus with Gibeonites, Joshua even asks: the angel armies and conquer “How do we know you don’t live Satan once and for all? nearby? For if you do, we cannot Why allow Jesus to die on a make a treaty with you.”

Ah ha - that’s the point isn’t it? God’s ways are not our ways. The wisdom of the world (that includes our wisdom) is foolishness to God. This Christmas time, when we remember God’s greatest gift in sending Jesus, let’s also remember God’s gift of wisdom.

Let us remind ourselves that we are likely to make a mess of things, just like Joshua, if we depend solely on our own physical and mental capacities.

Let us recommit to consulting the Lord to ensure we have his wisdom, guidance and direction, rather than foolishly thinking our way will be better.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2017

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ONE IN A MILLION:

ALAN'S AWARD As part of 2017 National Carers Week, BaptistCare’s Stronger Carers Peer Support volunteer coach, Alan Gravolin, was announced as NSW Carer of the Year.

The announcement was made by Minister for Disability Services, Ray Williams on 16 October and marked the start of a very busy week for Alan, who continues to support and advocate for carers and people living with dementia at every opportunity.

BaptistCare General Manager Home Services, The Hon. John Watkins, CEO Dementia Australia, and Helen McFarlane, Manager – Carers, NSW Department of Family and Community Services (FACS).

In a National Carers Week morning tea held at BaptistCare Shalom Centre, Alan was joined by his wife Lyn, who has younger onset dementia, his children and grandchildren, fellow carers, and BaptistCare staff and volunteers.

"National Carers Week highlights the importance of carers in our community. There are almost one million carers in NSW who contribute millions of hours of care," said Ms McFarlane.

Also in attendance at the morning tea were Ross Low, CEO BaptistCare, Annette Hili,

Alan is the first to recognise how many carers there are doing the work he does, and is reluctant to take the limelight he is now shining under.

"I’m not alone in it. There were, in this room today, at least ten other people who have been doing very similar to what I have been doing," he shared.

Those ten people were invited,

by Alan, to join him in front of the crowd as he spoke about his award.

Helen McFarlane and Alan Gravolin

"Jenny [a fellow carer] was in tears. I thought it was important to do something like that because I’m not the only one, there are lots and lots of us," said Alan as he spoke of his insistence that they share the

Alan Gravolin surrounded by his family at the carers' morning tea accolade. "Alan is quiet and centred. We acknowledge unassuming with a wealth of there’s a person in the knowledge," said Kerry Martin, background that’s living with former Program Facilitator the dementia, but we are out to for the BaptistCare Stronger provide the support that each Carers Peer Support program. carer needs to ensure that they She is thrilled at the can continue to care for recognition he is the person for as receiving, and long as possible.”

“The biggest thankful of the need is for people to “I think the work that he understand that there biggest need does within is for people are services available, the program to understand how to find them and to support and that there are how to link up and get educate other services available them going” carers. to them, how to Alan may have been recognised as NSW Carer of the Year, but it is clear that he wants all carers to be the best they can be, and receive as much support as is available to them.

"I like that the Stronger Carers Peer Support program is carer-

find them and how to link up and get them going," he said.

Alan is equally clear on the need for carers to take the time to care for themselves.

"I will try and get in [to visit Lyn] everyday atBaptistCare Dorothy

Henderson Lodge, but I give myself permission not to go.

That means that I can go and do other things when I need to do them. It’s important to be able to say, 'Yes I’m going every day, but tomorrow I’m not going to get there.' And to let that happen," Alan shared.

With his commitment to his wife’s care, involvement with his growing family, ongoing support of fellow carers, and his passionate advocacy within the dementia care conversation, Alan may well be reluctant to declare it himself, but all who know him agree that he is most worthy of the title of NSW Carer of Press play to hear Alan talk The Year. about caring and art therapy

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2017

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SOMETHING

IS IN THE AIR

If receiving a Better Practice Commendation Award from the Australian Aged Care Quality Agency (AACQA) is an achievement, then being recognised twice surely shows an enduring commitment to excellence.

To be awarded a third time?

Let’s just say that luck has nothing to do with it.

With an ongoing dedication to building community links and developing out-of-the-box programs for residents, the staff and volunteers at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre have delivered a rarely seen hat-trick of Better Practice Commendation Awards, this time for ‘excellence and innovation’ in aged care.

The innovative project is an in-house, limited-range FM radio station run by staff, residents and community volunteers. Established in 2014, the Radio Connect FM project and people have been commended for their positive impact across dementia care, social participation and lifestyle, as well as use of technology.

Originally launched to entertain and inform Maranoa residents with songs of yesteryear, live announcements, weather reports and birthday dedications, the Radio Connect audience can now tune into a variety of broadcasts including weekly live performances from local primary school pupils, and regular live broadcasts from Volunteer DJ volunteer DJs. Stuart McDonald The station playlist in action has also grown, with both residents and a qualified aged

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TRUST Summer 2017 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Samantha Tuck, Lifestyle Coordinator BaptistCare Maranoa Centre at the Better Practice Awards

care music therapist providing input to create a large range of music.

“The residents enjoy the music and it enhances their mood; this is especially helping to change the ‘tone’ in our Memory Care Unit, leading to a generally calmer atmosphere,” says Sam Tuck, Memory Care and Lifestyle Therapist at BaptistCare Maranoa Centre.

For residents, the broader therapeutic benefits of the program have also been important; those who volunteer on the station are learning new skills, building confidence and engaging with technology.

“Residents listen to nostalgic music which promotes reminiscence and prompts feelings of wellbeing [and] the staff now actively tune in.

What a wonderful point of connection for our staff and residents,” shares Greg Price, BaptistCare Maranoa Centre Residential Manager.

YEAR IN REVIEW THE 2017 ANNUAL REPORT IS NOW

ONLINE!

BaptistCareAnnualReport2017.org.au

CALLING ALL SUPERHEROES Local Ballina resident, Lee Morgan, was just one of many superheroes honoured during National Carers Week 2017 in October, with a BaptistCare event for local carers in the Northern Rivers region.

BaptistCare’s BBQ gave carers a chance to enjoy a welldeserved break and share stories with other carers, while giving families and the community an opportunity to thank them for the vital role they play.

Lee has been the carer for her father, James, since December.

With three adult children of her own, and a full time job, managing her responsibilities as a carer is not an easy task for Lee, who relies on support from the BaptistCare Home Services – Northern Rivers’ team.

James wants to live at home for as long as possible, so together Lee and BaptistCare’s team help him with running errands,

paying bills and doing housework.

They also take him on outings for lunch or a cuppa.

Lee is grateful for the help her father gets, and appreciates the support and care her family have received from BaptistCare over the years.

“I always call all the ladies who came to help mum, and now dad, my BaptistCare Angels. They are a part of our family.

“Dad is 84 and he found it hard when mum passed away in December. They were married for 63 years. The BaptistCare nurses would ask him ‘How are you Jimmy, how are you coping today?’ They really are so kind and caring and empathetic and nothing’s too much trouble… we would be lost without BaptistCare’s help,” Lee said.

Lee also has some advice for other carers.

“The BaptistCare ladies also taught me that I need a break now and then. I just keep going, but they told me I’m no good to my family if I’m no good, and that has helped me,' she said.

In Australia, there are 2.7 million unpaid carers who make a daily difference in the lives of their loved ones.

If you or someone you love is looking for help, care or respite, visit YouChoose.org.au or call the YouChoose helpline today on 1300 275 227.

Make a difference every single day. “The clients I work with make every day enjoyable and so rewarding. I feel blessed.�

Join the BaptistCare family today Positions Available: www.baptistcare.org.au/apply

KNOWING YOUR LIMITS: FOCUSING ON GAMBLING AWARENESS

The tradition that Australians love to gamble is so firmly cemented in our culture and our sport that we rarely question it. However this year’s Responsible Gambling Awareness Week (RGAW) provided anyone who gambles with the opportunity to have conversations around healthy and responsible gambling, as well as how to identify and deal with problem gambling.

The focus for RGAW this year was ‘Whatever your limits are, it’s a great time to think about them’.

This strategy aimed to educate people on how to gamble within healthy limits, including the amount of time and money they spend on this activity.

Manager at BaptistCare HopeStreet Gambling Help.

“There are an increasing number of ways people can take part in gambling; including at their local hotel, club, at the races and sporting events or at casinos. Today we can also “Gambling becomes a problem gamble anywhere, and anytime when people begin chasing their with online betting becoming losses and are finding it difficult increasingly popular. This instant to stop. For most people access and availability can lead gambling offers an to increased risk, so the enjoyable social key to gambling safely "Gambling entertainment is to set a limit on or recreational both the time and becomes a problem activity,” says money we spend when people begin Sondra Kalnins, on this activity.”

chasing their losses and find it difficult to stop."

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TRUST Summer 2017 | www.baptistcare.org.au

Throughout RGAW, BaptistCare HopeStreet’s Gambling Help hosted a series of events in the Eastern Sydney area where people came to can learn more about responsible gambling, as well as chat to a gambling counsellor.

The events offered an opportunity for visitors to access information on how to obtain help and support, as well as learn practical tips on how to gamble safely.

HopeStreet Counsellor Rhonda Woodford also spoke to 2GB about the issue, sharing with the radio station how gambling can lead to serious mental health issues for people.

“Sometimes they can’t see any way out; it affects every aspect of their lives. It affects their work life, it affects their home, it affects their relationships – their families, their friends,” said Rhonda.

For those struggling with gambling, Ms Kalnins believes that the focus on responsible gambling gives people an opportunity to take the first active steps to deal with their situation.

“They immediately feel much more positive and in control,” she said.

BaptistCare HopeStreet Gambling Help provides free, confidential

GAMBLING FACTS

• Australians spend over $18 billion on all forms of gambling or around $1500 per person.

treatment for people with gambling problems, their families, partners and friends.

Since the HopeStreet Gambling Help service began in 1999, with funding from the NSW State Government’s Responsible Gambling Fund, they have made disadvantaged problem gamblers a priority.

Working with vulnerable people in their communities, who are homeless or who experience mental health or drug and alcohol issues, the HopeStreet team connect with people who traditionally have the greatest difficulty in accessing treatment and support for their gambling problems.

As part of this program, HopeStreet Gambling Help run regular outreach services to homeless refuges in the inner city, women’s drop in centres and community centres, to ensure provision of treatment and support to men and women living with disadvantage.

Anyone looking for help around their gambling behaviour can call BaptistCare HopeStreet Gambling Help on (02) 9332 3506 or email Skalnins@baptistcare.org.au.

For more information visit www.gamblinghelp.nsw.gov.au or call the Gambling Helpline on 1800 858 858.

• Around 80,000 to 160,000 people suffer significant problems from gambling.

• Another 230,000 to 350,000 experience moderate risks and maybe vulnerable to problem gambling.

• The social cost of gambling is estimated at $4.7 billion per year and includes suicide, depression, relationship breakdown, job loss, lower productivity, bankruptcy and crime.

• For every one person with problem gambling another 10 people may suffer including family, friends and colleagues.

(Taken from 2010 Gambling Productivity Commission Inquiry)

SIGNS OF PROBLEM GAMBLING

CONSEQUENCES OF PROBLEM GAMBLING

• Spends lots of time gambling alone or thinking about gambling.

• Mental health problems including anxiety, depression, suicidal ideation and attempts.

• Think of gambling as entertainment not a way to make money.

• High levels of stress and sometimes anger.

• Set a spending limit in advance.

• Isolation and loneliness.

• Balance gambling with other activities.

• Places larger and larger bets to get the same level of excitement or to chase losses.

• Lies and is secretive about gambling.

STRATEGIES TO OVERCOME PROBLEM GAMBLING

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2017

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WARABROOK SHOWCASES

ARTISTS IN RESIDENCE

Resident and Warabrook Art Shield winner Dulcie Jackson with Emma Chesterfield, Residential Manager BaptistCare Warabrook Centre

BaptistCare Warabrook Centre became the latest art space for the Newcastle region when it played host to the inaugural BaptistCare Warabrook Centre Art Exhibition in September.

On display were 30 fresh artworks created by the aged care centre’s residents, care team members, and staff from across BaptistCare, including the organisation’s CEO and Chair of the Board.

The opening night saw prizes awarded for still life, abstract, and landscape pieces, with the first ever Warabrook Art Shield awarded to resident Dulcie Jackson, as the overall winner for her artwork, ‘Little House on the Hill’.

The exhibition was the culmination of a six month collaboration between the BaptistCare Warabrook care team and Novocastrian artist, Ann Bertram, who came together to deliver the art therapy program.

“It has been a very interesting experience for me, and something totally different to anything I’ve ever done before,” says Ms Bertram.

“The classes ran fortnightly from April, so I have spent time getting to know each of the residents. You can tell those who had experience from before; [the residents] amazed themselves at what they could do,” she said.

Warabrook resident Lorna Cook, trophy winner for her abstract artwork, 'Happy Times'

During their time together, an engaged and active art community has grown among the participating residents who live at BaptistCare’s Warabrook Centre.

For the care team, the art program has had visible results for residents, with positive impacts on their emotional and physical selves.

“Art Therapy has a number of key benefits for participants. It can help alleviate anxiety and depression; help reduce agitation and isolation; as well as help improve motor skills and maintain cognitive abilities,” says Lynne Bond, Diversional Therapist at BaptistCare Warabrook Centre.

“The project has given our residents new skills, as well as encouraged further socialising and interaction between residents as they work creatively together, sharing new challenges.”

“It also allowed our residents the chance to share memories as they reminisce together in a group. It’s beautiful to see that new friendships have been formed among the residents,” said Ms Bond.

SAVE THE DATE Halo Ball 2018 Friday 4 May Doltone House Darling Island Wharf

TICKETS ON SALE EARLY 2018

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2017

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THE PATH TO PURPOSE IS PLANE With 53 years of experience working as a solicitor, wearing a suit every day and dealing with high pressure clients and deadlines, Peter was great at his job.

But what came after that?

That’s the question Peter struggled with as he approached his retirement.

What came along was something unexpected: a love for woodwork and making things with his hands.

It all came about after retirement when Peter reluctantly went to a Men’s Shed and saw others making beautiful things with timber. The Men’s Shed program encourages men to work with their hands, make friends, and tackle projects from building furniture to restoring bicycles.

Peter was inspired and decided he would like to try making something.

Peter began visiting Men’s Shed 14

and learning how to make toy trains. He enjoyed working with the other men and was proud of the trains they made together.

Peter was able to chat with other like-minded men, make friends and stay socially connected, all the while working on his new-found craft.

"I never

support at home would allow Peter to explore and enjoy woodwork, in a safe environment. BaptistCare Home Services assisted by appointing Alan, a fully qualified carpenter, to visit Peter once a week to help him with building toy trains and other wooden thought items.

However Peter I was any good at was also living Alan and Peter making toys, with Parkinson’s, got along really but with a bit of which meant well from the help, I go for it." that due to safety beginning and reasons he wasn’t have now become able to use some of friends. Alan works the tools and machinery, as the foreman and limiting what he could create at Peter is the labourer. the Men’s Shed.

Peter has become happier Over time Peter and his wife Marie thought some extra

TRUST Summer 2017 | www.baptistcare.org.au

since Alan started helping out. He enjoys the challenge

and exercising his brain and, even more than that, he has something to look forward to every week.

His toy trains have become a success and he currently has seven orders from his family.

“I think of the grandkids playing with the toy trains on Christmas Day, and it gives me a feeling of purpose and worth,” Peter said.

Peter and Alan have also made desks for Marie, three picnic tables and many toys together.

Peter, now 82, is no longer able to work at the Men’s Shed as his Parkinson’s makes using the tools tricky. However, he sits and watches others so that he can replicate it at home with Alan.

This new passion has also helped Peter form another link with his family. His 25 year old grandson is a carpenter in Canberra, and he sent timber for Peter just as he was starting his first project at home.

Peter at work on one of his train projects

Peter’s next goal is to make Spitfires and then maybe sail boats.

“I can’t sleep at night time, because I am thinking of what I can make next. I never thought I was any good at making toys, but with a bit of help, I go for it.

I am a bit deaf, I have trouble with my eyes, and I will keep going as long as I can. I am good because I enjoy what I am doing,” Peter enthused.

“I would not have been able to do any woodwork without Alan’s help,” Peter shared.

Peter’s story shows us that nothing is impossible and, with a bit of help, purpose can be found in the most unexpected of places.

Ready to hit the rails, one of Peter's finished trains

CARE AS INDIVIDUAL AS YOU If you or someone you love is looking for help with cleaning around the home, personal care, social support, transportation or respite, you can design a home care package today at YouChoose.org.au or call the YouChoose helpline on 1300 275 227.

www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2017

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Enette Landberg shares her volunteering journey

CONNECTING THROUGH CARING Enette Landberg, Master of Counselling student at Morling College and recently trained volunteer at BaptistCare Shalom in Macquarie Park, shares her volunteering journey and the revelation that ‘we never outgrow the need for meaningful relatedness’.

As a student of counselling, I really wanted to gain some experience in working with the elderly. However, aged care study is not a subject offered in the course. A volunteer position at BaptistCare seemed like a perfect opportunity to learn more in this area.

I signed up for a recent training day at BaptistCare Shalom Centre and found that the training really helped to equip me with information prior to seeing the residents, and I learned a lot from the highly informative talks about dementia and palliative care.

There was also the added bonus of meeting people from different walks of life, and building new friendships with the other trainees.

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Training to become a volunteer within aged care was an eye opener – it acquainted me with dementia and palliative care, which I didn’t know much about.

I truly enjoy the ladies I have been given the privilege to spend time with. I will treasure the different journeys with each one of them as we share sadness It’s a and laughter.

priceless… After all, laughter is still the best medicine! I quite enjoyed making them laugh and we really had some fun times laughing our lungs out! Even when people reach old age, I think we never outgrow the need for meaningful relatedness.

As a counsellor-in-training, I would also like to reach out to carers in the future. Carers of elderly people, especially those living with dementia, should look after themselves, including through counselling.

For anyone thinking about volunteering with BaptistCare, I can tell you that it’s a most most rewarding rewarding endeavour, to What I have share oneself and endeavour, to share enjoyed the make somebody oneself and make most are our happy in the here conversations somebody happy and now – despite about their sometimes not childhoods and being remembered. younger days, as they The elderly are both a reminisce about all the fun times source of wisdom and they had. I’ve loved experiencing fun to be with! their sense of humour and seeing them happy is always

TRUST Summer 2017 | www.baptistcare.org.au

MAKE A DIFFERENCE

Once you meet some of our wonderful clients there will be no turning back!

Many of our clients can be socially isolated in the community or bed-bound in our facilities. They love regular visits, or a phone call to check in on them.

As a volunteer, we’ll even team you up with a buddy who you can tag along with and be shown the ropes.

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

A GIFT OF HOPE AT CHRISTMAS Domestic violence survivor Sandra* is just one person who would be so thankful for your Christmas gift today.

Sandra’s heartbreaking situation, and her children’s, requires the ongoing compassion of BaptistCare supporters.

For Sandra’s entire 17-year marriage she suffered from her husband’s abuse. The physical and emotional violence escalated after he lost his job. It got even worse when he started using drugs, including ice.

After so long trapped in a cycle of fear and control, Sandra just couldn’t break away on her own.

It wasn’t until her children’s school noticed changes in their behaviour and notified Family and Community Services, that she could be assisted to make her escape.

First they fled to a motel, and then moved into housing at BaptistCare.

Thanks to generosity like yours, we could

welcome the traumatised family with open arms into their fully furnished temporary home; complete with toys, food, linen, towels and toiletries.

But as you can imagine, the wounds Sandra and the children carry have cut very deeply. They continue to need your care.

She is three full years behind the other 12-year-olds in her Year 6 class. Julie’s little brother Billie*, who is 6, has been overwhelmed with anger and confusion to the point he has been threatening other children in the playground at school. And when we met Sandra’s youngest, 1-year-old Tommy*, his communication was behind. Sandra had to carry him everywhere due to his extreme clinginess caused by trauma.

Please help us give a happier Christmas to families torn by violence Sandra’s eldest, Julie*, has severe reading and writing difficulties.

Sandra is taking ‘Triple P’ parenting classes with our early education teacher to learn how to respond to her children’s needs, in spite of “When their life her emotional is more together, pain. Attending they look back and our supported say ‘oh wow, I’ve playgroup with his come so far’." mum, Tommy has started talking and is gradually discovering how to be apart from her.

At our Homework Club, our volunteer special-needs teacher is helping Julie catch up in her literacy. With Billie, she is also

CHRISTMAS GIVING COMES EARLY

attending our Break Free group, learning about feelings and healthy relationships, and both are seeing our children’s counsellor to work one-on-one through the hurts of a lifetime.

Sandra also needs a lot of help to start getting on top of her extensive debts. These include $2,000 for property damage to their old rental that was out of Sandra’s control. In order that she can make ends meet in the future, she has been linked with a financial counsellor, and attends a BaptistCare program teaching people how to budget.

Sandra and her children will be with BaptistCare long-term as they have very high needs and it is hard for women like Sandra to open up about their experiences.

Our domestic violence expert, Lesley Robson describes the need she sees day in day out and the ways your support helps.

“When women come to our accommodation, all they want is a roof over their head, food for the children and safety. Some walk out with just the clothes on their back. They can be grieving, angry, guilty. They’ll stay with us for nine to 12 months. That’s the earliest we can help the

mums into supported housing.

After that, we’ll continue seeing them for a while for counselling,” Lesley said.

“When their life is more together, they look back and say ‘oh wow, I’ve come so far’. Some women send us photos of the children growing up and thank you letters.”

“But the most rewarding thing to me is seeing little children who come here hiding behind mum.

They’ve lived in so much fear they haven’t learned to speak, they jump every time there’s a loud noise. After three months with us, they’ve got language skills, they’re waving, smiling, giving you hugs. That’s amazing,” shared Lesley.

Although their recovery is gradual, your donation now will change the lives of families like Sandra’s who have endured domestic violence.

Please click here to donate, and give hope by giving to BaptistCare this Christmas.

Share in our reward of seeing the grief and hardship of parents and kids give way to a much brighter future. *not their real names

BaptistCare Community Services received a grant for $4,500 from the Australian Chinese Charity Foundation (ACCF). This generous donation is in support of the annual Christmas hamper appeal, and will provide 160 families, who are struggling with financial difficulties, a much-needed gift at this often difficult time of year.

Each Christmas, through the generous support of both individuals and organisations such as the ACCF, BaptistCare provides almost 1,000 Christmas hampers to people in need. The hampers are delivered through our community centres, to Home Services customers and to women and families living in our Domestic Violence Accommodation Support services.

Please help us to care for men, women and children who are doing it tough this Christmas. Please give to the BaptistCare Christmas Appeal.

BaptistCare Fundraising Manager, Randy Wood with Dr. Michael Tse, Chairman of the ACCF www.baptistcare.org.au | TRUST Summer 2017

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