2008 â 2009 - Catholic Diocese of Parramatta

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Centacare Catholic Social Services – Diocese of ParramattaFrom The BishopThis letter introduces CentacareCatholic Social Services –Dioceseof Parramatta (CCSS) whichembraces the social services work ofthe Diocese of Parramatta, directed tothose who are poor, underprivilegedor marginalized in society, as well as tothose who have become overburdenedby life’s challenges.This Annual Report (the first forCCSS) gives an insight into the workcarried out by a team of dedicatedstaff and volunteers in the name ofthe Church. They seek to spread thegospel message of hope and to be theface of Christ to those in need, throughpersonal contact, example, influence,advocacy, projects and activities.As a channel of Christ’sunconditional love and liberatingpresence in our community CCSSbrings to life the call of SacredScripture “to act justly, to lovetenderly and to walk humbly with ourGod” (Micah 6:8). This is reflectedin the Mission, Vision, and Values ofCCSS, and also in the very practicalway CCSS delivers a wide range ofprogram and services. These programsand services are funded in partnershipwith Government, the Diocese, andother philanthropic interests.I extend my deepest appreciation tothe staff and volunteers of CentacareCatholic Social Services and commendthis report to you.Bishop Kevin ManningBishop of ParramattaChairman of the CatholicSocial Services Council(Diocese of Parramatta)From The Executive DirectorCentacare Catholic SocialServices (CCSS) has a richhistory. On one hand it extendsfrom the 1940s when the Archdioceseof Sydney was geographically muchlarger and included our own Dioceseof Parramatta. On the other hand,CCSS is a new agency just 2 yearsold – formed by bringing togethera number of agencies, services andministries funded or partly funded bythe Diocese.It is not easy to build a new agencyby combining a number of existingagencies. The different cultures,strategic directions, policies andprocedures and expectations need tobe homogenized into a single entitywhile not adversely impacting onthose people who are being supported.The impact on staff, especially atthe management levels, has beensignifi cant as we work to establisha new team and bring together thebest each agency and ministry hasto offer. This has also been a time ofunderstanding the linkages and thestrengths created by combining thevarious social service or welfare worksof the Diocese.In all these aspects the staff of CCSS,and especially the management team,have risen to the challenge.I am proud to be part of this agencyof the Church. In my short time here Ihave come to appreciate the depth ofknowledge and understanding of staffat all levels of the mission of CCSS.Our Catholic heritage and roots givesCCSS a unique role among WesternSydney’s social service agencies.This Annual Report will giveyou an overview of the work wedo, though it cannot adequatelyportray the full array of programs weprovide to the community on behalfof the Diocese of Parramatta and inresponse to the gospel message.I want to thank all the staff of theagency and in particular the membersof the Management Team who haveprovided me with great advice andhave welcomed me as part of theirteam. My appreciation also goes toJohn Spillane and to Bishop Manningfor their support and encouragement.Otto Henfl ingExecutive Director2
Annual report 2008 – 2009Supporting Australia’sFirst Nation PeopleAboriginal Catholic Social Services (ACSS) wasestablished in 1986 as a specific program of theDiocese of Parramatta.The current committee comprises nine Aboriginalmembers: Janice Kennedy, Janice Brown, Daisy Barker,Jenny Ebsworth, Judy Curry, Margaret Farrell, RhondaRandall, Sharon Mumbler and Victoria Warner. Thecommittee is supported by Father Phil Medlin CSsR, theChaplain and Director, as well as Sr Naomi Smith RSJ(Coordinator), Neroli Stratti (Finance Administrator)and Sr Frances Flemming Assistant Coordinator).ACSS serves in an Aboriginal way under the leadershipand decision-making of the Aboriginal Committee. Itstrives to assist, nourish and facilitate the sharing andenrichment of all Aboriginal people so as to bridge the gapbetween them and the rest of the Australian community.The principal objective of ACSS is to work withAboriginal people in order to develop a positive, sustainableorganisation, one that is facilitated by Aboriginal peoplefor Aboriginal people.ProfileAustralia’s largest concentration of Aboriginal Peoplesis believed to reside within the Parramatta Diocese. Thiscovers the area of Western Sydney that includes Penrith,Mt Druitt, St Marys and Blacktown.ACSS supports the Aboriginal Peoples in this areathrough various comprehensive programs designed tohelp contribute to their social well-being and attainmentof self-suffi ciency.Often the existing service sector is unable to connectwith these individuals and/or families due to the lack ofculturally appropriate service delivery.ACSS members represent five Aboriginal languagegroups and all reside in Western Sydney. They have a verystrong knowledge of the community and very extensivecontacts within the Aboriginal community. As a resultthey have the ability to identify where pastoral care andservices are required.Pastoral care and service requirements are coordinatedand delivered by persons qualified in their particularfi eld and respected Aboriginal community elders. Theyare designed to help bridge the gap between Aboriginalpeoples and the rest of the Australian community.A team of dedicated volunteers, each with experienceand expertise in various fi elds, supports ACSS in itsservice delivery.Progress towards meetinggoals and objectivesDuring the year under review, signifi cant progress wasmade in meeting our principal objective. That is, todevelop a positive, sustainable organisation, facilitatedby Aboriginal people for Aboriginal people. To thisend, members built upon their skills and increasedtheir confidence through their participation in, andcommitment to, training programs which focused on:• Running an organisation• Leadership• Identifying and increasing employment opportunities• Advocacy3
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2008 â 2009 - Catholic Diocese of Parramatta