Not-for-Profit SPOTLIGHT
REACH
Homeless Services FOR THOSE WHO HAVE DRIVEN DOWN BEAUMONT STREET ON A FRIDAY NIGHT, SEEN THE BBQ SET UP IN JAMES STREET PLAZA AND WONDERED WHAT IT’S ALL ABOUT – WONDER NO MORE! IT IS THE EXCELLENT WORK OF THIS MONTH’S SPOTLIGHT CHARITY – REACH HOMELESS SERVICES.
CREDIT Jorg Lehmann
THEIR MISSION REACH Newcastle provides a safe/regular place in a prominent location in the CBD that makes contact with a wide range of people in the community. These people could be affected by homelessness, drugs and alcohol, mental
health issues, or just lonely. REACH provides a free BBQ, water, clothing, blankets, hygiene bags, weekend survival packs and referrals to other health and welfare organisations. REACH Newcastle’s activities indirectly benefit the broader community by helping reduce incidents of alcohol abuse and antisocial behaviour and by helping alleviate the burden on the public welfare system by rehabilitating homeless individuals and empowering them to become independent and proactive members of the Newcastle community.
HISTORY OF REACH
How can WE help as a Community?
REACH Newcastle has been steadily expanding its community presence and volunteer team since it launched in 2014. Every Friday night, the REACH team of volunteers set up a BBQ in Beaumont Street Hamilton (James Street Plaza). Not only do those in need get a hot BBQ sandwich, but REACH also provides weekend emergency food hampers along with a selection of male and female hygiene products. During the cooler months, REACH assists with blankets, sleeping bags, warm clothing, hats and gloves. Of recent times REACH have partnered with other community organisations and individuals to provide hairdressing, community nursing and vouchers (Connecting the Hunter) that can be redeemed at local businesses.
COVID-19 has meant that REACH could not deliver their 'normal' Friday night services (social distancing issues). As a result, they have teamed up with Suspension Expresso cafe in Beaumont Street Islington to do what they can to continue to assist those impacted by this pandemic as well as their regular clients. The team at Suspension have been outstanding in the provision of their support. REACH is a local NFP who are not affiliated with any other organisation or religious group, the board of directors are just local citizens who have a desire to make a difference to the lives of those in need. REACH is funded by donations and grants and would really appreciate local assistance with either donation of specific nonperishable food items or donations via their website at www.reachhomeless.com.au. You can also find a list of items that are currently in short supply at the moment and urgently needed on the website, or perhaps you would like to volunteer your time. Reach has DGR status and any donations are tax-deductible.
For more information Visit www.reachhomeless.com.au or email Gary Parsisson at gary.parsisson@reachhomeless.com.au
Our Team WHAT ARE YOU BINGEWATCHING AT THE MOMENT? "Unorthodox (Netflix). It’s the first Netflix series to be primarily in Yiddish and is loosely based on Deborah Feldman's 2012 autobiography Unorthodox: The Scandalous Rejection of My Hasidic Roots. It’s a real eye-opener into the lives of what it’s like to be in a community full of ‘rules’ that are both antiquated and smothering. I also have to add a plug for Ozark (Netflix) - I binged the whole three seasons over a couple of weeks - edge of your seat drama and can’t wait for S4 (although it did cause me a few sleepless nights!)" - DI VON ESSEN, PUBLISHER/MANAGING EDITOR "Prison Break (Netflix). The new season is out – and it's very addictive! I have also started Ozark." - OLIVIA RODGERS, ADVERTISING & ONLINE COORDINATOR
"The Catcher Was A Spy (Netflix). It's about a major league baseball player, drafted as a spy to help stop Heisenberg (a theoretical physicist) from making an atom bomb for the Nazis. Also The Elephant Queen (Apple TV). Filmed over several years, this epic documentary follows a herd of elephants across the Kenyan savanna. Stunning scenery! - QUENTIN VON ESSEN, EDITOR-IN-CHIEF "The Bold Type (Stan). A witty show about 3 girls working at a magazine, navigating their personal and professional lives. It's all about strong supportive women, amazing mentors, politics, relatable struggles and empowerment." - JESS CODRINGTON, SENIOR GRAPHIC DESIGNER
"Killing Eve S3 (ABC iView). It's one of the most compelling shows around, and this new season is off to a wild start. My only complaint is that I have to watch it one episode per week rather than binging the whole thing!" - CLAIRE BRADSHAW, FEATURES WRITER "Just started Outer Banks (Netflix) which is about a teenage treasure hunt, but before that, Self-Made (Netflix). It’s a truly gritty tale based on the real-life story of Madam CJ Walker – America's first black, self-made female millionaire. I also finished The Letter to the King (Netflix) - what can I say it doesn’t hurt to have a little medieval fantasy in your life, especially when it has a couple of modern twists!” - KIM-CHERIE DAVIDSON, CONTENT WRITER "Shrill (SBS on Demand). Best description is a more relatable version of Girls, it's well written and funny. Also On Becoming God in Central Florida (also SBS) starring Kirsten Dunst. It begins with her husband leaving her in debt because of a dodgy multi-level marketing company and hilarity ensues." - MEL MURRAY, CONTENT WRITER
" I am currently re-watching the whole Grey's Anatomy series (Stan). I would also like to jump on the bandwagon of Normal People (once I finish the book) also on Stan. It is meant to be amazing!" - MIA KYRIKOS, CONTENT WRITER
"Westworld (Foxtel). So many twists and turns, so intriguing! (I'll also second Ozark!)" - MICHELLE MEEHAN, FEATURES WRITER www.intouchmagazine.com.au | 5
