Catholic Outlook May 2016

DIOCESAN WORKS FUND APPEAL: FAITH AT WORK
Houses to Homes supporting young mums
Louise Masters: “All babies and children have the right to lead a healthy and fulfilling life.”
CatholicCare Social Services has a
team of highly skilled and dedicated
people who work in our Houses to
Homes program. This service for pregnant
girls or parenting young women who are
homeless or at risk of homelessness offers:
• Transitional semi-independent
housing;
• Referral pathways towards long-term
stable housing solutions;
• Case management support;
• Access to brokerage;
• Home visits to young mothers and
their babies;
• Empowerment for independent living;
• Access to parenting and living skills,
employment and education;
• Advocacy, support and referral; and
• Assistance in
accessing community
resources.
The demand for
this service is constant.
Vulnerable members
of our community
are afforded the
opportunity that many
of us take for granted. The service has four
full-time staff, with Louise Masters heading
the team.
“All babies and children have the right
to lead a healthy and fulfilling life with safe
and secure housing and early intervention,”
Louise said. “We are committed to
providing the best service possible so this
can be achieved.”
A recent example of a case where
the team at Houses to Home (H2H) has
intervened and provided much-needed
support is below. For privacy reasons,
names have been changed. For more
information about this service, please
contact CatholicCare tel (02) 8822 2222.
Kate’s story
Kate was referred to H2H by a Family &
Community Services caseworker. She had
been residing with her mother and extended
family, however, the house was overcrowded
and there were domestic violence issues.
Kate and her two children were
rehoused by H2H staff into a private rental
property near her mother’s home. This gave
her support that was close by, as well as
ongoing support from H2H. Kate was given
assistance to move in with some furniture,
OzHarvest food packages and Woolworths
Essentials cards.
Staff noted that Kate’s daughter appeared
to have some developmental delays and
Kate explained that she was trying to have
her daughter assessed. Staff assisted her to
complete the necessary forms.
Her daughter was referred to and
accepted into the Home Interaction
Program for Parents and Youngsters
(HIPPY). She also attended two days a week
at the local daycare centre.
Since Kate’s daughter commenced an
early intervention program, her social
skills have improved and she is sharing and
playing.
This has led to a change in Kate’s mood
and has given her the opportunity to spend
Bulk Billing for GP Services
more time with her younger son. It also gave
her the chance to commence selling makeup
as she has an avid interest in makeup
artistry and beauty.
Understanding that Kate had this great
interest, our H2H caseworker approached
her with an opportunity to complete a
certificate course through TAFE. Her son is
now in daycare two days a week so Kate can
attend TAFE.
Kate was thrilled to enrol, stating that
upon completion, she would be the first
member of her family to complete any type
of course and receive a certificate.
She was chosen to represent her class to
apply makeup on models at the Royal Easter
Show. She took along her mother and it was
a very proud moment for them both.
Her children are improving in all aspects
of development. Kate has increased her
social circle and now has adults with whom
she can chat and become friends. Her entire
disposition has changed and improved.
Kate has maintained her tenancy for
approaching 12 months. She has a Start
Safely Private Rental Subsidy for short-term
financial help so she does not have to return
to her previous violent situation.
Kate was asked recently if she would
like to continue with her study and go on to
complete her diploma. She accepted and is
excited to continue on her adventure.
Your donations to this month’s DWF
Appeal with the theme Faith at Work will
help to fund CatholicCare programs like
Houses to Homes. To make an online
donation visit: www.faithatwork.org.au
MEDICAL CENTRE OPENING HOURS
Monday-Friday 9.00am-6.00pm
Saturday 9.00am-2.00pm
CLOSED SUNDAYS
NO APPOINTMENT NECESSARY
DOCTOR HOME VISITS AND AFTER
HOURS SERVICES AVAILABLE
Parking on-site available
Pathology on premises
DOCTORS AND PHYSIOTHERAPIST
DR. ARUNTHA JESUTHASAN (Female GP)
DR. CHARLES HAYES (Male GP)
DR. VAN NGUYEN (Male GP)
DILHAN JAYAMANNE (Physiotherapist)
FREE
FLU VACCINES AVAILABLE!
For people:
• Aged 65 years & over
• Pregnant women
• Anyone with a medical condition
Otherwise from $11
DENTIST
Natural Family
Planning is
Available in the
Surgery
(DR GARIMA MALHOTRA)
• Free initial check-up
• Veterans’ Affairs cover
• Dental X-rays
• Medicare Bulk Billing
- for eligible children aged
between 2 and 17 years of age
Benefits up to $1000/child
• 10% discount for seniors
and pensioners
• Patients from all funds welcome
- Health fund claims on the spot
MEDICAL CENTRE
81– 83 Richmond Rd, Blacktown, NSW | 9622 1998
18 CatholicOutlook | MAY 2016
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