Dawn's story
A fighting chance September 2017 salvos.org.au
Life-changing Food 4 Life
Provides a safe and fun environment to engage young people with disabilities
After 20 years living in community housing, Dawn and her husband used all their savings to buy a small run-down house for themselves and their adult son who suffers from schizophrenia.
“It’s good for me to get out. I feel I’m doing something useful and helpful.” centre for referrals, a faith community for those interested and in an area where many are highly isolated by age, mental health issues, poverty, language – simply a place to belong.”
Workplace Giving with The Salvation Army Simple and effective, Workplace Giving (WPG) allows employees to give small, regular donations to a charity of their choice through their pre-tax pay. Since the inception of their WPG program, AGL has been a proud supporter of the Salvos for over 10 years. For AGL employees, having their donations matched dollar-for-dollar by AGL is a huge incentive to sign up for Workplace Giving. “I find it rewarding to have my donations matched by AGL towards a worthwhile cause,” says James, one of AGL’s Salvation Army Workplace supporters. For AGL, it’s simple. Workplace Giving provides benefits for individuals, businesses, and charities alike.
On
the scene
It is a guaranteed income for charities, and allows employees to “give back” in an easy, tax-efficient way. Research also shows that employers who have WPG programs enjoy increased staff engagement, productivity, reputation, and social impact. Last year, The Salvation Army received over $630,000 in donations through Workplace Giving, with AGL and their employees contributing over $25,000!
To find out more about donating through Workplace Giving, please send an email to: workplacegiving@aue. salvationarmy.org
THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY September 2017
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CYCLONE
New Youthlink centre adds resources to transform young lives
recovery
“Many of the young people we support are experiencing chronic economic and social disadvantage, have left school usually before the end of Year 9, have multiple barriers to gaining employment and find it difficult to access traditional vocational training. So, providing them with ongoing support is essential.” – James Selby, Youthlink manager. The new Sargents Challenge Centre in Blacktown, Sydney, was developed by The Salvation Army’s Youthlink, predominantly to support schools in Greater Western Sydney. Its main aim is to provide a safe and fun environment to engage young people with disabilities, especially those young people with emotional and intellectual challenges. The course offers up to 13 different challenge activities and a covered pergola/training space. Since 2000, The Sargents Pies Charitable Foundation has been sponsoring Youthlink initiatives. The challenge is the latest addition to a wide range of Youthlink programs for young people, which already includes outdoor adventure, school re-engagement, vocational training, drug and alcohol awareness and support. More than 2,000 young people benefit from participating each year.
On
the scene
The bigger picture
Hope and light
According to Kerri-Ann Nattrass – representing Youthlink’s Reconnect program (bringing together young people with education, training or work) – a holistic approach is essential. “Our young people don’t operate in isolation, so we also support and work with families wherever possible and many also access multiple programs,” she says. Fifteen-year-old Angus* is just one of many that have benefited from Youthlink support. In a few short years Angus has dealt with a heartbreaking family breakup, major surgery to deal with serious medical problems, Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, disengagement from school, and his mum’s cancer battle. Through Youthlink's multi-layered approach, Angus has been given the opportunity to make huge progress.
After Kerri-Ann noticed Angus’ passion for reptiles she approached a local wildlife park to allow Angus into a volunteer program one day a week. The team also organised transport to a new school, Christmas hampers when the family was buckling under medical costs, Salvos camp, food vouchers and more. Angus also recently gained his L-plates through the Salvos Drive for Life. His Mum, Sue*, says: “Angus especially loves (the volunteer work) and now wants a career in a zoo. It has put some light back into his eyes and I think hope back in his heart.” Kerri-Ann adds: “These kids are just lovely, lovely kids – they’ve just had rough circumstances or backgrounds and I’ve seen repeatedly that our programs do transform lives. Many just needed a fighting chance.” * Not their real names.
THE SALVATION ARMY AUSTRALIA EASTERN TERRITORY September 2017
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After Cyclone Debbie
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“It’s become a big part of my life,” she says. “It’s also good for me to get out (as a home carer). I feel I’m doing something useful and helpful,” she says. Dawn says her life has changed immeasurably since coming into contact with Food 4 Life and volunteering to help others in need. She has returned to her faith in Jesus through an associated church service and says the team has become her extended family. Manager Joel Spicer says: “The economic realities for many in this area – including aged pensioners – means that some may have to choose at times between things such as heating and eating. Hunger and food insecurity are sadly very real. “There are many struggling locally and as much as we offer healthy, very affordable food, we also seek to be a
Photos courtesy of David Swift
They worked hard to make the house a home, but not long after, Dawn lost her husband to cancer. Still caring for her son, and on a pension, Dawn was struggling to make ends meet when she read about The Salvation Army’s Miller (NSW) Food 4 Life in her local paper. With the support of our donors, The Salvation Army is able to run two Food 4 Life markets in Sydney. The service aims to help break the cycle of food insecurity, poverty and social isolation. People join and for $15 can fill a large bag with groceries, fresh fruit, vegetables and meat items (often worth more than $70). They can shop up to twice a week and it’s a good opportunity to meet and mix with others in the community. For Dawn, and many others, it makes all the difference to her weekly grocery budget. Soon, Dawn was not only shopping and visiting the service, but also became a dedicated volunteer.
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