The Supporter is a quarterly magazine providing a collection of stories from across the AnglicareSA community.
Autumn 2024
New autism diagnostic service Ending modern slavery Regional housing for young people
Message from the CEO
Welcome to the first edition of Supporter for 2024.
Their story also demonstrates that when individuals and organisations across a community work together, positive outcomes can be achieved. Housing availability and affordability is of course a key focus of AnglicareSA and our housing arm, Believe Housing Australia (BHA). BHA is a partner in the Studio Purpose project that recently launched another four more units in Murray Bridge for young people experiencing disadvantage in the region. The BHA team also recently celebrated yet another family they have assisted to move from long-term rental into home ownership. You can read about Freweyni and Gizachew’s journey to home ownership on page 5. Finally, I would like to thank everyone who was involved in our Christmas Appeal and Hamper and Toy Drive. Thanks to the generosity of our community, we raised $63,000 for our emergency assistance services and delivered 1,800 hampers and 2,000 children’s gifts to families across South Australia in time for Christmas. Together we change lives.
The team at Daphne Street also regularly runs a Food School, where they work with children with feeding difficulties to make mealtime a fun and safe experience. This program delivers terrific, life-changing results for children and their families. Supporting families to thrive is a big part of what we do at AnglicareSA, across so many of our programs and services. Our foster and kinship carers provide a stable home for children and young people who can’t live with their families, giving them the opportunity to thrive. Being a carer can be very rewarding, but can also be tiring, especially when carers don’t take the time to look after themselves. Our foster care team recently stepped in to ensure a bit of self-care for our valued carers by hosting a Rest and Relaxation Day. The team will continue to look for ways to support and care for our carers. On page 8 you’ll find the story of a mother, her four children, and the family pet dog, who found themselves living in a caravan park after fleeing a domestic violence situation. It highlights the lack of available accommodation for people in crisis, which is exasperated by the ongoing housing crisis in Australia.
From axe-throwing outings and knitting clubs, to serving up nourishing and flavourful food to people living in our residential aged care sites, our teams across AnglicareSA have been hard at work improving the lives of those in our care, and those who come to us for assistance. Our Daphne Street Autism-Specific
Early Learning and Care Centre provides specialist education, childcare, and state-of-the-art
therapeutic services for children with autism. We’re currently renovating the site to expand our services and make for a better learning environment. There is terrific work being done at Daphne Street to support children and their families, and its services are in high demand. In response to the years-long wait times many families face to get an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis for their child, the team at Daphne Street developed a diagnostic service that has significantly reduced the time it takes to carry out an assessment, resulting in shorter wait times and children being able to access vital early interventions sooner.
Grant Reubenicht Chief Executive Officer
Cover: Liliana and Ella from AnglicareSA’s new Autism Diagnostic Service, which is meeting a growing need in the early identification of autism spectrum disorder
2
Early identification of autism spectrum disorder
AnglicareSA Disability and Wellbeing Services’ new Autism Diagnostic Service is meeting a growing need in the early identification of autism spectrum disorder. As a leader in the provision of therapeutic supports to children and young people with disability in South Australia, AnglicareSA launched the pilot program at the start of 2023, and 12 months on it is being hailed as a success. Clinical Lead and Diagnostician, Liliana Claassen, said four years ago she and another speech pathologist based at the Daphne Street Autism- Specific Early Learning and Care Centre did some training focussed on diagnostic assessments and identified a gap in services available to the community.
“We work in the early childhood learning space and had a lot of
experience with children waiting for diagnostic assessment,” she said. “At the moment in the public system people are waiting around two to three years for that crucial assessment. “Private providers are a lot quicker to get into, but they still have wait lists. We were to be able to reduce those wait times through our services, get people in as soon as possible, and get that diagnostic outcome so they can then access support services.” The assessment includes a play- based observation and standardised assessments as well as a parent interview.
Our Autism Diagnostic Service is reducing assessment wait times
Information gathered, results from assessments, and observations are considered against the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders – Fifth Edition (DSM-V) to determine if the child meets the criteria for diagnosis. The diagnostic report can be used to support an application for NDIS funding so that the child can receive appropriate supports to help them thrive. Liliana said during the initial six- month first phase of the pilot seven assessments were completed, with the goal to complete the process from inquiry through to delivery of the assessment within 12 weeks – a target that was met each time.
AnglicareSA is receiving referrals for assessments in 2024. If you are interested or want further information on the Autism Diagnostic Service, please contact NDIS@anglicaresa. com.au or call 1800 953 001 . “We also looked at how we could implement this program fully while maintaining our existing workloads and we were able to do that within fewer hours than we were expecting,” she said. In 2023, a total of 12 children were diagnosed by AnglicareSA’s trained diagnosticians (speech pathologists) and partnered psychologists.
3
Supporter Autumn 2024
The fight to end modern slavery At the end of 2023, AnglicareSA published its fourth annual Modern Slavery Statement, confirming its commitment to help A panel of contractors is used to help ensure access to a wider range of skills
and expertise, competitive pricing, quality assurance, and flexibility in terms of scheduling and responding to maintenance emergencies; and provide a high-quality service to our customers. A total of 36 suppliers were surveyed, with a 78% response rate. Of those who responded: – 11 indicated that they had modern slavery statements – 9 advised that they had policies in place addressing modern slavery – 4 indicated that they would soon introduce set policies – 7 said they had or were implementing modern slavery risk training – 6 advised that they performed screening on all prospective suppliers to help assess modern slavery risk. Pleasingly, 100 per cent of respondents indicated that they were not aware of any modern slavery occurring in their supply chains, and that they would take appropriate steps to respond to allegations of modern slavery or substandard working conditions in their operation or supply chains. “I am also looking forward to networking across sites by making strong, caring connections within Anglicare and with the wider community. “It’s exciting to be working with a diverse range of people who are involved in so many programs and projects. “I have been in this job for a short time but already feel part of a team who genuinely care about people. It’s not about doing a job but a way of living fully in a community with a wide range of people who make up the kaleidoscope of life. “I am blessed to have this opportunity.”
bring an end to modern slavery. The Statement describes AnglicareSA, its operations and supply chains, and the actions we take to assess and address modern slavery risks to our organisation. Modern slavery involves the abuse and exploitation of vulnerable human beings. It can take many forms, including human trafficking, forced labour, wage exploitation, bonded labour, and child slavery. AnglicareSA sees human rights as critical to its vision, purpose, and values and is committed to the fight to bring an end to modern slavery and the exploitation of individuals by others. As part of our ongoing response to modern slavery risks, in 2023 AnglicareSA continued the process of mapping and analysing supply chains to increase awareness of sectors that may be considered as high-risk. AnglicareSA conducted a survey with its panel of maintenance contractors to help gain a better understanding of their commitment to ethical sourcing and identification of any potential modern slavery risks.
Maintenance contractors were surveyed as part of our ongoing response to modern slavery risks
Suppliers included those providing carpets, glass, plumbing and electrical, general maintenance, gutter cleaning, pest control, flooring, lift servicing, painting, and locksmith services. We use these services to provide general, specialised, and emergency
maintenance and repairs to our community housing and other properties as required.
Meet our new Chaplain, Mara
We are delighted to welcome Mara Di Francesco as our new Chaplain for the north of Adelaide. Mara is the former parish priest of St Martin’s Campbelltown and brings to her new role as Chaplain a wealth of experience, energy, and warmth. “I am excited to be able to provide practical, emotional, pastoral, and spiritual support to AnglicareSA employees and volunteers in the northern metropolitan area and I certainly have a passion for the work,” said Mara.
Chaplain Mara Di Francesco
4
Moving into a safe and secure future
After seven years of renting, Freweyni and Gizachew are proud first homeowners, purchasing their rental property in late 2023. “We’re so happy – it is like a gift. It is everything we wanted,” Freweyni said as she proudly showed off her home. Owning a home is a dream the couple still can’t quite believe is a reality. “I have been living in this house as a tenant for seven years,” Freweyni said. “I still feel like Believe Housing owns it. I still can’t believe we bought this house. “People have suggested I move out and move back in to feel like we have bought the house,” she joked. The couple join six other Believe Housing Australia (BHA) social housing tenants who have gone on to purchase their own homes in the first half of the 2023/24 financial year. Ali Akbarpour, Tenant Voice and Improvement Coordinator at BHA, said the team encouraged and supported tenants to begin their home ownership journey. “We support our tenants’ aspirations to become homeowners and are happy to assist them through every stage involved in owning a home,” he said. “In the last five years, we have supported more than 65 of our tenants to move into homeownership.” BHA hosts annual Home Ownership Seminars, inviting experts to explain the processes, costs, and practical steps involved in buying and owning a home. “We see the seminars as a successful plan for creating a strong foundation for families and giving them the opportunity to move from social housing to home ownership,” Ali said.
Frewenyi and her family are proud first homeowners
More importantly, owning her own home also means security for her four small children. “Sometimes, it is not even about being able to afford rent – it is about security. Landlords in a private rental can choose not to renew your lease and you have to get out – if you have children, where are you going to go that is safe? “By owning my home, no one can tell me to move.”
Attending one of the seminars in 2020 gave Freweyni and Gizachew valuable knowledge in their journey to home ownership. Amidst the current rental affordability crisis with low vacancy rates and rising rents, Freweyni said she felt fortunate to be able to buy her home and exit the rental market. “At the moment, it is very hard to afford private rentals, you can’t even go further out from the city to get more affordable private housing,” she said. “Everyone is finding it very hard to find a house to rent – I see so many people suffering. I feel very lucky to be able to buy a house.”
5
Supporter Autumn 2024
The more the merrier at this Men’s Group
Every Thursday, you’ll find Don hanging out with his new friends at AnglicareSA’s Men’s Group. Whether it’s a day at the beach, a game of bowling, or an afternoon spent chatting with each other, Don doesn’t mind – he’s just happy to be a part of the group. “They’re a good bunch of people and I love going on outings with them,” Don said. Don is new to the northern suburbs of Adelaide, having moved there from the Yorke Peninsula where he lived with his wife until her passing a few years ago. Now living with his son, Don decided to join one of AnglicareSA’s northern social groups to make new friends in the community. Tash Burczyk, AnglicareSA Social Activities Coordinator, said the group had changed Don’s life for the better. “His grief has lessened and he’s getting out of the house,” she said. “Being a part of the social group means that Don gets to interact with other
Don (left) with the Men’s Social Group
men his age and build a life for himself outside of his family, which also boosts his independence. “Our social groups give people who have been isolated and lonely the
staying hydrated, chatting with others, and stimulating their brains. “It’s more than just a fun day out.”
opportunity to thrive and make friends. “Social wellbeing affects every area of our lives. When people are attending social groups, they’re walking, eating, AnglicareSA social groups are offered across metro Adelaide for people aged over 65 with a Home Care Package. They cater to various interests including arts and crafts, gardening, cooking, sewing, and music. Hitting the target for fun
Veronica, Shaun, Jake, and Chris recently tried their hand at axe-throwing at MANIAX Axe Throwing.
AnglicareSA’s Disability and Wellbeing Services provide a variety of NDIS- funded accommodation options for adults – from long, medium, and short-term options – as well as in-home supports.
This is the second time the crew has visited MANIAX and they love the one-on-one guidance they receive from the amazing staff. They even hit a few bull’s-eyes! Veronica, Shaun, Jake, and Chris are some of our supported independent living customers, living in long-term accommodation around metro Adelaide.
Bull’s-eye for Veronica
6
Regional housing for young people Four refurbished units in Murray Bridge will provide a home and a chance at a
residential aged care homes. One team member making a difference in the lives of our residents a meal at a time is Constance Amaechi. Since joining the Westbourne Park hospitality team more than a year ago, Constance has completed her commercial cookery placement and has been cooking up a storm in the kitchen. Cooking for older adults has always been a passion for Constance – a passion she hopes will lead her to one day becoming a Head Chef in residential aged care. “I have always loved everything that has to do with cooking and food. I am in my happy place when I am in the kitchen,” Constance said. “What attracted me to work here was better future for young people experiencing disadvantage in the region. The four self-contained and fully furnished apartments, which will be managed by Believe Housing Australia, will become home to four young people aged 15-23 who receive an independent income as part of the Studio Purpose project. With a housing-first approach, Studio Purpose extends beyond the provision of independent accommodation to include broad supports to help young people reach their potential. This project is a result of a partnership between Believe Housing Australia, ac.care, SA Housing Authority, headspace Murray Bridge, Rural City
Believe Housing Australia’s Peter Mitchell and Jo Young celebrated the launch of the new youth accommodation with Studio Purpose partners
It is the second such collaboration, following on from the initial four Studio Purpose apartments opened in Murray Bridge in August 2021 to help tackle youth homelessness in the Murraylands.
of Murray Bridge, and Habitat for Humanity South Australia. The units were officially launched in February with a beautiful smoking ceremony and words from Human Services Minister Nat Cook MP.
Cooked with love At AnglicareSA, we’re proud to have a team of hospitality workers who work tirelessly to prepare and cook nearly 2,000 fresh and appetising meals every day for the 600 residents across our six
the opportunity to immerse myself in hospitality and care for older people. “To be able to give back and make a difference for older people using my love for food and my culinary skills has been rewarding.” Every day, Constance and the other members of the Westbourne Park hospitality team prepare more than 250 meals for their 90 residents. “It is vital that our residents are getting what they need with every dish,” she said. “Meals must be individualised to ensure that each resident’s meal has the correct texture and taste for them. We respect and cater to their different dietary preferences, requirements, and cultural needs.”
Westbourne Park cook Constance Amaechi with the residents’ favourite dish – crumbed lamb cutlets
While the menu rotates frequently and dishes come and go, Constance said there was a standout meal that the residents can’t seem to get enough of. “The residents love the crumbed lamb cutlet served with vegetables and potato bake and always request it.” Constance said it showed that cooking in aged care was beyond just feeding people – what might seem like a simple meal also has the power to increase a resident’s food intake and enhance their quality of life.
7
Supporter Autumn 2024
Working together to support a family in need
A collaboration between SA Police, a local Anglican parish, and AnglicareSA saved a family fleeing domestic violence from homelessness at Christmas. When Rachel (name changed to protect identity) was threatened with murder by her partner, she took her four children and pet dog and fled the family home. With nowhere else to go, the family moved into a caravan park, spending all of Rachel’s savings on the temporary accommodation over several weeks. They were unable to access homelessness supports due to being assessed as ‘housed’ in the caravan park, despite their precarious financial situation. Concerned for the family’s safety – the partner had been remanded in custody but could possibly be released on bail at any time – SA Police referred the family to a local Anglican parish worker. The parish worker contacted AnglicareSA’s Manager of Mission and Anglican Community Engagement, Ben Falcon for assistance. Ben’s first thought was to contact AnglicareSA’s Turning Point program, which provides a fully-furnished home for three months with wraparound supports to help families like Rachel’s to stabilise and move on to secure, permanent housing. “Unfortunately, Turning Point was at capacity, so we couldn’t support the family through that program,” said Ben. Luckily, Ben was aware of an Anglican rectory that was becoming vacant and contacted the priest. “The priest conferred with the parish council, and they made the rectory available to the family for long-term rental at the lowest end of the rent range.
Fleeing domestic violence, Rachel and her children lived in a caravan park
organisations like AnglicareSA can’t accommodate everyone in need.” AnglicareSA is an accredited White Ribbon Australia organisation, committed to working to end violence against women and children. We support our employees who are affected by domestic and family violence, as well as victim survivors in the broader South Australian community. Family and domestic violence support 1800 Respect national helpline 1800 737 732 Women’s Crisis Line 1800 811 811 Men’s referral service 1300 766 491
“AnglicareSA’s Quickest Warmth program then swung into action, providing bedding, kitchen and bathroom supplies, and furniture.” The family continues to be supported by a specialist domestic violence social worker employed by the parish. Ben said Rachel’s story demonstrated what could be achieved through a partnership approach to caring for people in the community. “With SA Police, the Anglican parishes, and AnglicareSA working together, we were able to support this family into a safe home and on track to a stable future. “There of course won’t always be a rectory home available. The demand for services supporting domestic violence victim survivors, compounded by a shortfall in funding and resources, and a housing crisis, means
8
Caring connection of culture and community From the moment you enter the home of AnglicareSA home care customer Antonia, you are welcomed with open arms and treated like family.
Initially filling roles in administration, she knew she had so much more to offer and asked if there was a way of visiting someone’s home to spend time with them. “Coming to visit Antonia is just different,” Cielo said. “Every time is different. You learn a lot and you leave here with so much energy – just incredible. “It’s about a connection and it does just as much for me as it does for Antonia, our bond helps us both.” AnglicareSA volunteer coordinator Sadie Sandery also enjoys gathering at Antonia’s house with Cielo for a cup of tea and great conversation. She said the social impact of volunteers complemented the services and care provided by the home care teams. “It just speaks to the heart and core of all of AnglicareSA’s values what we stand for, and to be part of that is just incredible.”
On this day however, Antonia was even more thrilled to throw open her front door as it was a visit from her favourite AnglicareSA volunteer, Cielo. Antonia, who moved to Australia from Malta 72 years ago, and Cielo, who has been in Australia for four years since relocating from Colombia, formed an instantaneous bond and connection through culture and caring for others. “I love her,” Antonia beams with pride sitting around the table in the home she and her late husband built. “She is like family to me and when she visits me I feel alive and we just talk – I really appreciate what she is doing for me. “She isn’t here as a carer. It means a lot to me that she comes and we spend time together.” Cielo sought out volunteering opportunities after arriving in Australia to help her forge her new life in a new country and community. Close knit group The knitting group at our Trott Park residential aged care site catches up each month for a spot of knitting and a yarn. Knitting group has become very popular for residents to get together and work on their knitting projects while sharing some “purls” of wisdom. It is just one of the many activities and events organised by our lifestyle team, who work tirelessly across our six residential aged care sites to keep residents engaged, active, and included.
Cielo (left) and Antonia
At AnglicareSA, we’re proud to have around 300 volunteers who give their time to support people in need. Volunteers are an integral part of our support services – their generosity and commitment enable us to deliver a broad range of services to the South Australian community. To find out more about volunteering with AnglicareSA, visit anglicaresa. com.au/join-our-team/volunteering
9
Supporter Autumn 2024
Taking time for self-care
AnglicareSA foster and kinship carers came together in February for a Rest and Relaxation Day hosted by our Carer Events Committee at the Fullarton Community Centre. The event returned after a five-year hiatus, providing an opportunity for our carers to have some time for themselves to rest, relax, and reenergise through engaging in activities that encouraged connection with their self and body. Activities included yoga, art workshops, massages, and mini manicures. A Nature Therapy session hosted by Deborah from Embody Nature was particularly popular among carers in attendance. Carers were taken through a series of mindful invitations, providing the group with a chance to slow down, relax, and connect deeply with nature.
information as a tool kit to support the practice of self-care in their everyday life. The AnglicareSA Carer Events Committee is now looking forward to planning similar events in the future.
It enabled them to connect with their inner selves, with the natural surrounds, and to connect with other carers and workers in a shared experience. Carers were given a gift bag at the end of the day with self-care items and
Healthy holiday fun at Food School
Helping children create healthy relationships with food and supporting parents in better understanding their children’s needs was the focus of AnglicareSA’s Food School during the January school holidays. Food School’s specially trained
Teams link to provide parents an insight into how the therapy is conducted and how their child is engaging.” Food School, held at the Daphne Street Early Learning Centre, is part of the Outreach AnglicareSA Therapeutic Services (OATS) which provides individualised therapy and support to children, young people, and adults living with disability. In January, the sessions saw two customers who had previously attended return for additional supports as well as customers new to AnglicareSA. “With the therapy itself, all participants demonstrated improvements in their interactions with foods across the six sessions,” Bec said.
occupational therapists and speech pathologists work with children with feeding difficulties to make mealtimes a fun and safe experience. Senior Training Coordinator Bec James said through parent education sessions families were supported to understand the top 10 myths around eating to better understand their child’s feeding habits and have enjoyable family meals. “Food School was a huge success with our participating children,” Bec said. “This, in turn, contributed strongly to the success of to the parent education portion of the program. “We run parent education alongside Food School with the children, with one therapist running each aspect and a
Food School helps to make mealtimes fun and safe
“We introduced some challenging foods and by the end of the six sessions, participants were able to employ sensory problem-solving strategies they had developed through the sessions. “Parents also reported their child engaging with different foods outside of the therapy times.”
10
Hampers delivering hope Thanks to the generosity of our many supporters, partners, volunteers, and employees, AnglicareSA was able to deliver joy to hundreds of families and individuals doing it tough over Christmas.
We are very grateful for the support of local parishes, schools, corporate partners, and community members who donated items and volunteered their time so that we could collate and deliver more than 1,400 Christmas hampers and 2,000 children’s gifts to people in need by Christmas Eve. The food hampers and toys are given to families and individuals across our broad range of services, providing relief at a time that can be financially and emotionally challenging for many in our community.
A box of food or a toy might seem like a small contribution, but for those on the receiving end it means so much more. A big thanks also to our corporate supporters Aussiefast, CMI Toyota, and Complete Ute and Van Hire, as well as our corporate partners Beyond Bank, Electranet, ANZ, and CMV Group for providing us with Hope Mobile drivers across three weeks and people to help pack hampers and sort toys at the Magdalene Centre. Thank you to everyone who contributed
to our hamper and toy drive. Together we change lives.
Thank you to our amazing volunteers, including those from ANZ, Beyond Bank, and St Peter’s College
11
Thank you
Thank you to our generous donors and supporters for helping fellow South Australians at Christmas. Our Christmas Appeal raised $63,000 for AnglicareSA’s Emergency Assistance services. Your support does not just help at Christmas time. Funds raised through the appeal mean we can continue to provide essential emergency assistance, including food relief, clothing, once-off rent assistance, financial counselling, and referrals to other support services. Thank you for your care and support.
Page 1 Page 2 Page 3 Page 4 Page 5 Page 6 Page 7 Page 8 Page 9 Page 10 Page 11 Page 12Made with FlippingBook - Online magazine maker