In Australia's diverse charity sector, there are thousands of fantastic stories about the impact charities have on their communities.
We recently spoke with South Eastern Community Connect about their programs, the most rewarding part of their work, and the challenges they face.
What does your charity do?
South Eastern Community Connect's impact spans the aged sector in the areas of group support and transport, home care services, and food services; the Children & Families sector with parenting programs, after-school and vacation care and community events; a new Community Builders' initiative which offers social inclusion programs and workshops; and a new Youth & Adolescent program which includes early intervention case management support and therapeutic and recreational activities each week.
South Eastern Community Connect is also soon to launch a Wellness Hub in Coronation Hall, Mascot which will enable it to support the wider community even more effectively.
Kate, along with Deputy CEO Ashleigh Daines, are leading voices in the community of south-east Sydney, continually seeking opportunities to expand on our service offering and support people from a range of backgrounds to effectively build independence, wellbeing and quality of life.
What is the most rewarding part?
Seeing people’s lives change through increased community engagement and participation in programs that boost their overall happiness and sense of contribution and wellbeing.
What is the biggest challenge faced by your charity?
Our Youth & Adolescent program is currently in need of a boost if we’re to keep offering much-needed services to 12-18 year-olds in Eastlakes and its surrounds. It is hoped the new building will cater to this clientele effectively, but without adequate funding for such things as cooking classes, arts and crafts programs and tutoring support, the service will be unsustainable. An injection of funding for this program would make a big difference.
How do you manage your wide range of programs and services? Do you have any advice for other charities who are considering offering a broad range of services?
Through an intelligent, experienced, engaged team with a shared passion for reaching the community with tools, programs and services which aim to boost their independence, wellbeing and quality of life. We advise other charities to regularly consult their community for feedback on what they are doing well, what could be improved, how they’d like to stay connected, and how they can best meet their needs. Communication is vital to keeping the wheels turning and achieving your goals.
Find out more about South Eastern Community Connect on their website, or via their Facebook page.
Interested in sharing your charity’s story? Email us at charitychat@acnc.gov.au.