Refugees:
1. The Bread & Butter Project
The Bread & Butter Project is a wholesale, artisan bakery providing training and employment outcomes for refugees and asylum seekers. Established by the founders of the highly successful Bourke Street Bakery and Central Baking Depot, TBBP will operate as a social enterprise with 100% of profits to be reinvested into community training initiatives. Their mission is to be a vibrant training and employment hub for a large number of asylum seekers and refugees while being a sustainable bakery enterprise. During the first two years of operation they will train and find employment for at least 12 asylum seekers and refugees.
With the support of the Sisters of Charity Foundation, TBBP will immerse trainees in a successful enterprise that greatly enhances their prospects for sustainable employment, successful resettlement and a sense of belonging in Australia.
The aim of the Safe Place Housing Program is to ensure that clients most at risk do not fall into homelessness and destitution. By providing security and safety, the Safe Place Housing Program helps clients to build and grow by developing confidence and encouraging strong social networks within the community.
2. House of Welcome
The House of Welcome (HoW) provides essential services to asylum seekers and refugees in need. HoW works hard to ensure that asylum seekers can live in safety and dignity whilst they are being assessed for refugee status and supports those in need, including those who are not eligible for mainstream financial or medical support.
Working with the Sisters of Charity Foundation, HoW established a 'Safe Place' house. A House of Welcome 'Safe House' provides crisis and transitional housing for clients who are at real risk of homelessness.
The aim of the Safe Place Housing Program is to ensure that clients most at risk do not fall into homelessness and destitution. By providing security and safety, the Safe Place Housing Program helps clients to build and grow by developing confidence and encouraging strong social networks within the community.
3. Asylum Seekers Centre of NSW
The Asylum Seekers Centre of New South Wales (ASC) is an independent, not-for-profit, non-government organization that provides practical support and a welcoming environment for asylum seekers living in the community.
Working closely with the Sisters of Charity Foundation, the ASC aims to develop a Transportation Assistance Fund. It is hoped that this initiative will provide asylum seekers with greater access to public transport and ultimately assist them access wider services, employment and develop an increased sense of community and belonging.
4. Australian Afghan Hassanian Youth Association
- Swimming Program
The Australian Afghan Hassanian Youth Association (AAHYA) offers support to Afghan refugee children, youth and other newly arrived people to Australia in the Auburn area. The AAHYA educates young people on Australian culture and offers financial help with paying bills and providing food packages in order to alleviate poverty amongst newly arrived refugees. The association also works with the Afghan women’s group to reduce social isolation and to empower young women with skills such as driving.
Working with the Sisters of Charity Foundation, the AAHYA developed an 8-day swimming school program for Afghan children and other newly arrived refugee people. This project offered a fun, social, healthy and educational activity for culturally and linguistically diverse refugee youth in a safe and supportive environment. This project also empowered marginalized young Afghan women in a culturally appropriate context. Swimming is such an integral part of life here in Australia and this project ensures that newly arrived youth have the confidence to enjoy the water!
