Women and mothers in crisis were at the heart of a welcome donation from the Lions Club of Charles Sturt which provided 20 packs of essential items to our Turning Point program.
The Turning Point Program is part of our homelessness service, combining our case management capability and experience with our housing arm, Believe Housing Australia’s social housing portfolio to offer housing to women with children who are homeless due to escaping domestic and family violence.
Women often flee an at home situation with very little and AnglicareSA Community Engagement Manager Simon Blight said the Lions Club donation was about providing some much-needed essentials.
“In the packs were essentials like pyjamas and nightwear as well as bathroom products such as toothpaste, shampoo and a brush,” Simon said.
“But it was also a chance to provide some home comforts like beauty packs, a towel, coffee mug, and a magazine.
“Items like these are immediately useful and all in a really practical carry bag.”
The Lions Club donation was assisted through a $2,000 White Ribbon Small Grant which the club itself matched dollar for dollar, as well as support from local businesses.
Families stay in a Turning Point property while AnglicareSA case management provides wraparound services to help them secure long-term housing, refer them to employment and training services, access financial support, and keep children engaged with school.
Rather than being forced to stay in a motel room with little or no cooking or washing facilities and limited bedding and space, Turning Point homes allow families to continue their daily life with greater self-sufficiency, security, and normality.
Most families who have come through the Turning Point program have gone on to secure permanent housing, and, in some cases, to purchase their own home.
In 2024, AnglicareSA’s Turning Point program has 14 properties that are specifically for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.
These houses are always fully tenanted. We work closely with Believe Housing Australia and SA Housing on exit pathways into ‘forever homes’ so that we can assist as many families as possible.
AnglicareSA Senior Manager Homelessness, Susan Johnson, thanked the Lions Club of Charles Sturt for the donation, saying the packs had been well received by women who were just trying to keep their heads above water.
“The mothers always put their children first, so a pack that puts them first makes them feel part of a caring community.”
Susan Johnson, Senior Manager Homelessness, AnglicareSA
Projects like this demonstrate the power of community which AnglicareSA relies upon in supporting its social impact work.
Should your community group wish to hear more about the great work of AnglicareSA and how your club may support our programs and services, contact our Philanthropy and Partnerships team on 8305 9200.