Poor & Disadvantaged:
1. FareShare - Schools Run
Motivated by studies which show there are long term health benefits from eating breakfast daily, and concern at an increasing number of children attending school on an empty stomach, FareShare started its Schools Run program in July 2011.
Schools Run involves FareShare vans distributing breakfast food such as fresh fruit, cheese, yoghurts, cereals and bread to 18 primary schools and kindergartens in disadvantaged areas across Melbourne's Inner West and South Eastern suburbs. With the support of the Sisters of Charity Foundation nourishing food is provided to over 1,500 young children a week.
2. St Vincent's Hospital Homeless Health Service
The Homeless Health Service seeks to fill a gap in services provided to homeless people moving into permanent accommodation. Staff assess clients who are about to be housed to determine eligibility for packages which will make a house a home.
The kitchenware package includes items such as a kettle, toaster, basic cutlery and utensils, crockery, tea towels, dishwashing liquid and implements. As part of this package staff provide dietary information, health promotion, and facilitate clients in attending living skills programs at local day centres.
3. Community Care - Food Parcel Service
Community Care Incorporated (CCI) was set up to provide practical relief and support to the poor and marginalized members of the Seven Hills/Lalor Park community.
Since May 2009, CCI has provided free weekly food parcels to local low-income individuals and families – including the unemployed, less-abled and pensioners. With support from the Sisters of Charity Foundation, CCI also provide a Friday night BBQ. This weekly BBQ helps to foster friendships and provides a place of acceptance and social inclusion for those who are experiencing isolation due to their financial situation.
4. Dress for Success
Dress for Success is a not-for-profit organization that aims to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and career development tools – helping women thrive in work and life!
Dress for Success provides free clothing, styling and presentation skills to women wanting to enter the workforce or return to work.
These services are provided predominantly through the Dress for Success showroom in Burwood and through a mobile service that was established in 2009. With the assistance of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, Dress for Success plans to develop a bi-monthly mobile service to both Campbelltown and Newcastle. This will make certain that disadvantaged women in these areas are given access to a wide range of clothing and services that will help develop their confidence and self-esteem on their journey to success.
