Evolve Newsletter: September 2018

E VOLVE NE W S RENTAL AMNESTY

VIDEO MAKING

ELECTRICITY SAVE

SEPTEMBER 2018

STREET LIBRARY COMES TO EVOLVE HOUSING Siblings Tisa and Gabriel reading together at the launch of the first ever Evolve Housing Street Library.

Photo Rob Costa © Evolve Housing

We’re excited to announce that we have officially mounted our first ever Street Library.

The library was decorated by residents and filled with books generously donated by Booktopia.

A launch event was held on 22 August with an afternoon tea, dress-ups and treasure hunt to coincide with the ‘Find Your Treasure’ theme of Book Week 2018.

The project was inspired by the wisdom of one of the block’s residents Lyn, who said to an Evolve staff member: “if you teach the kids to read, you give them the key to the kingdom.” Lyn, a keen reader herself

who gets through an incredible 12 books a week, was chosen as the librarian of the new Street Library, and gave a book reading for kids at the launch.

We look forward to seeing how the library brings our community together, and hope to launch more in the future!

EVOLVE 1 NEWS

I was originally an assistant in nursing working in aged care but sadly a wrist injury sustained during lifting ended that career. I found a new way to help people in employment services — I previously worked at Boystown and now enjoy working at Ability Options.

What do you love about your job?

Meet our new Employment Specialist

Eleanor!

How can you help residents of Evolve Housing?

I work with Ability Options, and will be sitting in the Evolve Housing office for two days a week.

Any resident can schedule three meetings with me to improve their employability. I can assist them to build a resume, prepare for job interviews, and brush up on their work skills so they feel more confident with employers.

Certain residents will be eligible for further assistance — for instance, residents who are living with a disability or health condition that impacts their ability to find a job may be able to meet with me more regularly and receive support in getting job placements. I can also help these residents find interview clothing so they can really make a good impression.

What is your background and how did you come to work in employment services?

I enjoy what I do as I love working with and helping people. I know how hard it can be on families when any member faces periods of unemployment, and or injury/ illness/disability. I believe that I can make a positive impact on people’s lives if able to help them find sustainable and suitable employment. This added income can just mean peace of mind when meeting daily living expenses, it can help make that annual holiday a possibility, or put Christmas presents under the trees for the little ones. It can make things happen that may have been sacrificed prior to employment.

What are your top three tips for getting a job?

1. Be confident without being arrogant.

2. When you’re interacting with an employer (or potential employer), try to remain personable, agreeable and flexible.

3. During your job search, look for roles that are within your skillset and have the potential to help you grow and develop.

How can residents contact you?

Residents can arrange an appointment by calling myevolve on 1800 693 865.

Household CHANGES Rent Amnesty Did you know that 1 in 3 women have experienced physical and/or sexual violence perpetrated by someone known to them?

If you are experiencing domestic or family violence, you can seek help by calling 1800 RESPECT (1800 737 732), a FREE 24-hour national sexual assault, family and domestic violence counselling line.

Have you experienced changes to your household that you forgot to report to us?

From 3 September 2018 til 26 October 2018, Evolve Housing is offering an amnesty on undisclosed income, unauthorised additional occupants, undisclosed financial assets and undisclosed property ownership. This amnesty gives you the chance to do the right thing without facing financial penalties or potential eviction.

Simply contact myevolve on 1800 693 865 during the amnesty period, and ask for a Business Support Officer. You will have to complete an Application for Rental Subsidy Form, and submit it to us with supporting documentation.

EVOLVE 2 NEWS

Cassola Quality Kitchens are seeking

Free SPORTS

a reliable, honest and hardworking

We’ve teamed up with RecLink

1st year Apprentice Cabinetmaker to

to give you the chance to

join the team at their business based

participate in free activities

in Penrith. White card and police checks are

including gentle walking, street

a requirement for on-site works, and a TAFE

soccer, yoga, swimming, Zumba

course one day a week is also a requirement.

and even bowling!

38 hours per week, award wages including

To sign up, simply call Ursula on

allowances, superannuation and overtime

0432 734 995 and don’t forget

when required. Please email your resume to

to say you’re an Evolve Housing

sandras@cassolakitchens.com.au

resident to get your free pass!

Save on POWER Save money on your electricity bills and get an extra $10 per quarter.

Join the Community Housing Tenant Network!

If you’re keen to meet other community housing tenants and share your ideas about the industry, you can join the NSW Community Housing Tenant Network.

The network is part of the not-for-profit Community Housing Industry Association NSW. Membership is free of charge and you can join anytime. If you’re interested in participating, simply email contact the network directly at ­— tenantnetwork@communityhousing.net.au

As part of our goal to reduce your energy costs, Evolve Housing has partnered with Energy Locals to get you a better deal on your electricity bill.

The deal offers cheaper, cleaner and fairer energy with no lock-in contracts, no joining fees and no exit fees.

Energy Locals has also promised to never increase prices for profit, plus the pricing structure is easy to understand, and there’s a fixed fee approach meaning you don’t have to go through the hassle of renegotiating at the end of your contract.

If that wasn’t amazing enough, all of our residents who sign up to the deal through a special page on the Energy Locals website will receive $10 credited to their Evolve Housing account every quarter.

To access this incredible offer, including the $10 credit/donation, all you have to do is visit­—www.energylocals.com.au/providers/evolve.

We also offer free energy workshops throughout the year to help you save on electricity bills. To find out more, call 1800 myevolve (1800 693 865).

Hot WATER Faulty hot water systems can waste water, and rack up utility costs! If you notice any problems with your hot water system, please report it to us ASAP so we can help you.

To report repairs, visit www.evolvehousing.com.au or call us.

EVOLVE 3 NEWS

© Reclink Australia

APPRENTICESHIP Available

COFFEE

Calling all job seekers (or just anyone who really loves coffee)!

We have spots open in our Barista Training course, which is run in partnership with our wonderful friends at Darcy St Project, Parramatta.

The course is a mixture of classroom work and practical experience, and all participants will earn a Certificate in Barista Training. To register your interest for the next course, call 1800 myevolve (1800 693 865) and ask to speak with Rob, or email myevolve@evolvehousing.com.au.

Save the date We always have fun activities and events planned to entertain, inspire and educate our residents. Take a look at what’s coming up over the next few months, and don’t forget to save the date and keep your eye on our website for more information.

All bookings are available online at evolvehousing.eventbrite.com or by calling 1800 myevolve (1800 693 865).

10 October

24 October

An exciting day jam-packed with free activities to get kids active and moving!

When: Wednesday 10 October, 10am-3pm Where: Blacktown International Sports Park Athletics Centre Cost: Free

Join us on the beautiful Nepean River for a lunch cruise with great food, lovely views and fun activities.

When: Wednesday 24 October 2018, 12-2.30pm Where: Tench Reserve, Tench Avenue, Jamisontown Cost: $10 per person

School Holiday Fun Day

Nepean Belle Lunch Cruise

20 November

2 December

All residents of Evolve Housing are invited to come along to this annual meeting to get to know Evolve staff and have your say on issues that matter to you.

When: Tuesday 20 November 2018, 11am Where: TBC Cost: Free

Enjoy yummy food, mingle with fellow residents, meet native animals and celebrate the festive season with us.

When: Sunday 2 December 2018 Where: Sydney Wild Life, Darling Harbour Cost: Free

Annual Residents Meeting

Residents Christmas Party

Congrats to our FAN volunteer Margaret!

Our amazing resident and FAN volunteer Margaret has been celebrated in Federal Parliament by Ms Julie Owens MP.

CONTACT US

Margaret has been volunteering as part of the Friendship Aged Network

evolvehousing.com.au

(FAN) for seven years, contacting senior residents each week who live

1800 myevolve (1800 693 865)

alone to connect with them socially and check on their general well-being.

info@evolvehousing.com.au

In a recent speech to parliament Ms Owens recognised the wonderful

P.O. Box W124 Parramatta, Westfield NSW 2150 Follow us evolvehousing

evolvehousing

@evolvehousing

evolve-housing

contributions made by Margaret and we are thrilled that her great work has been forever recorded in Hansard.

Andrea Galloway Managing Director and CEO of Evolve said “FAN wouldn’t be possible without the dedication of our Evolve resident volunteers and we whole heartedly agree that Margaret is an extraordinary woman”.

EVOLVE 4 NEWS