Wellsprings for Women Inc. Newsletter December 2015

Dear Wellsprings Supporter,

Thank you for your ongoing support of Wellsprings for Women. This year has been a very challenging one but it has not stopped volunteers and staff delivering buzzing events and programs. We have continued to live the Vision of Wellsprings 21 years on, drawing on the life experiences of those who gather from all parts of the world, and empowering women to live their lives more fully.

General Meeting The September 10th our General Meeting was well attended by local agencies, Local Government, donors, residents, Halpin family, volunteers and friends of Wellsprings. We acknowledge especially those who have been attending since 1994 when we were first established. Wellsprings would not be in the strong position it is today, if not for your on-going support. We were blessed to have our guest speaker Dur-e Dara a Philanthropist Business Veronica, Dur-e Dara Women who was awarded the Medal of The Order of (OAM) in 1997 for services to the community and promotional and fundraising activities for women's groups. As a motivational speaker she left us enthused with laughter as we face the challenge of funding. Also at our General meeting we farewelled Dr Anne Astin, expressing our gratitude and thanked her for sharing her outstanding business skills, knowledge and her clear, analytical approach to problem solving in decision making. Anne has served as Chairperson for 8 years and throughout her time she has kept us all in tune with Cr Roz Blades, Nola Vanderfeen pbvm, Louise Cleary cbs, best practice and Maria Lazzaro pbvm, Cr Mathew Kirwan, Anne Astin, Veronica Hassett, Former Mayor CoGD Cr Sean O’Reilly, Anne will continue Dur-e Dara on with us until March 2016. Thank you Anne and we wish you the best for your future.

Chris Halpin, Maria Lazzaro pbvm, Anne Astin, Helen Halpin Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea was an opportunity for participants, staff, Events and volunteers of Wellsprings to come together, share a cuppa and some delicious food as we help those affected by cancer. This was an opportunity to break down taboo conversation of cancer and share personal experiences.

International Women’s Day with Avila Student’s International Women’s Day is a time to reflect on progress made, and this year’s theme, “Empowering Women – Empowering Humanity” to envisions a world where each woman and girl can exercise her choices. We had the opportunity to have students from Avila to share their community student placement with our participants.

Taste of Harmony With the majority of our Participants, Staff, and Volunteers born overseas or having a parent from another country the celebration of ‘Taste of Harmony’ was a beautiful way to stop and celebrate our cultural food. We had food from England, Australia, India, Sudan, South Sudan, Afghanistan, Mauritius, Italian and Pakistan

Our theme for 2016, focuses on community cohesion and the responsibility that we all have, to build bridges between our neighbours and improve our own understanding and acceptance of our diverse community. Wellsprings for Women, works closely with the State's most vulnerable women who are disconnected from country, family and even from their own local community. Many have experienced family violence, language barriers, social isolation, economic insecurity, and homelessness. Over the years we have provided two social support programs ‘Learning to Live in Australia’ and ‘Creative Connection through Craft’ building unity in community to our most vulnerable people. Sadly, with the uncertainty over Federal, State, Philanthropy funding contracts and shrinking funds we have had to close these two vital programs and let go of staff members. The uncertainty of lack of funding continues to frustrate many organisations within our sector and more above all it is putting at risk, services that support thousands of these vulnerable Australians.

Term 4 has not been an easy term, but staff and volunteers have continued to put Participants first and kept the programs going. Staff have spent the last few weeks investing on how best, we can support the many participants who have been accessing these two vital programs and for many they are not eligible to attend Government Funded English Classes. From evaluations of these programs these women want more English classes, and next year we have put in place an English component class to help these women adjust and develop their reading and writing as they learn new skills in their new country. This new program will be run by our volunteers and Tutor Tanja. We have also introduced an enrolment fee, class fee, and a payment plan for those who cannot pay. Furthermore we have opened a new student Scholarship account, and already donation has come forward from donors to support these classes. To all the staff that have enabled this, I am very grateful for the way you continue to hold and put the women first.

A big thank you to our wonderful Volunteers who have been an Thanks important part of the life and vision of Wellsprings for Women. Your support is invaluable particularly as we go through these new changes and challenges. I would also like to thank all of our supporters, donors, Local government from Cities of Greater Dandenong & Casey, and the Brigidine Sisters for their continuing Anne Astin, Andrew Walsh - Principal interest and support. St John’s Regional College, Veronica Hassett Wellsprings will not survive without the kind donations and support that we receive throughout the years from donors, to name a few - Sigma, St Paul Apostle Community, for their annual Christmas hampers donations, State Trustee, St Joseph’s Boronia, Avila College, Killester College Springvale, Belgrave, St. John’s Regional College who raised funds at ‘Make a Difference Day’. It is always a pleasure to see young students coming forward to go the extra mile to raise funds for our programs. These donations keep us going especially when ‘times get tough’. It is in giving that we receive and I know that when I receive help from the community, I feel the vision of Wellsprings will continue for the next generation to come. I thank you All.

Books donated by State Trustee

Hamper donations Avila College Participants The Presentation Sisters together with The Brigidine Sisters Partnership are in the second year of Kildare Ministries, with Wellsprings part of this new journey. As I reflect on these two Orders I take strength from the way both face new challenges. They do this with a determination that disturbs and challenges the status quo to build unity within community. Kildare Ministries Mission is to ‘Respond to the changing needs of our world and strive to build inclusive communities through the provision of education and community works’. As Wellsprings faces the new challenges of its time, I am determined to walk in their footsteps and uphold our Vision of ‘empowering isolated women to live their lives more fully’.

Pauline Gunn, Felicita Joseph, Medgee Gontran, Holly Gordon and Farewell Suzy McManus, I would like to extend my personal best wishes to these staff members who are leaving us and thank each of you for your contributions to Wellsprings for Women. I would also like to wish you all the very best as you continue to fulfill Wellsprings vision in your own lives, ‘empowering yourselves to live your lives more fully’ I know you will be courageous and embrace new opportunities.

I wish everyone a restful and enjoyable term break and trust the New Year will be fruitful with new opportunities.

Have a safe and happy Christmas holiday with your family and friends and wishing you a wonderful 2016! Warm wishes. Veronica Hassett Manager

“Life is not easy for any of us. But what of that? We must have perseverance and, above all, confidence in ourselves. We must believe that we are gifted for something, and that this thing, at whatever cost, must be attained.” ~ Marie Curie

These words from Marie Curie are an inspiration for everyone at Wellsprings through what has been a rewarding yet most challenging year. It is a message of courage, hope and strength.

We have been sincerely rewarded through guiding our women participants to grow to achieve their personal goals, through the excellence of our quality teaching and learning skills, through the enrichment of our knowledge in the data and information we have collected and through the dedication to excellence in the administration, compliance, catering and all support services that have become such an integral part of our “Wellsprings Way”.

Our respect and credibility in both our local communities and more broadly has been reflected and recognized through our art, craft and visual displays as well as our social media presence. The quality of our teaching standards and delivery was recognized by being a finalist in the 2015 Victorian Training Awards. We have much to reflect on and celebrate.

Sadly though, the past six months have been extremely challenging. Increasing competition for funding in the philanthropic sector and a reduction in the availability of other funding sources has seen us unsuccessful in our numerous grant applications. In many instances, we have come very close to success, but we are a “small fish playing in an increasingly large pond”. This has presented challenges for our financial sustainability and the Wellsprings Board recently made the decision to undertake a review to ensure our “doors continue to open and we continue to deliver programs to meet the needs of women in our local communities and the objectives in the Wellsprings Strategic Plan”. I am pleased to say that we can advise our Local Councils in the City of Greater Dandenong and Casey, the Presentation Sisters Victoria, the Department of Health and Human Services and Adult and Community Further Education that following the Board review, we are able to make sure we are “open for business” in 2016 and beyond. On behalf of the Board, I would like to thank our staff for their contribution and generosity in sharing their experiences, thoughts, ideas and aspirations with the reviewer and to the Presentation Sisters Victoria for providing funds for this review.

I have to say the need for a review has neither been easy nor satisfying for our staff. There will be changes to the way we deliver our services and to our structure, but this will always be with participants and the needs of the local communities as our focus. Some staff will be leaving Wellsprings at the end of this year. While extremely disappointing, I am confident that they have the skills, strength and innovation to create new opportunities for themselves in future and we would welcome each of them back to Wellsprings when we have greater success in attracting funding. This will be a focus for the Board in 2016.

On behalf of the Wellsprings Board, staff, volunteers and participants, I would like to extend sincere appreciation to everyone for all you have achieved and contributed so generously to Wellsprings. Your contribution will ensure that Nano Nagle’s, the Presentation Sisters foundress and Sr Ann Halpin’s vision, that we now carry into Kildare Ministries will continue for many years to come.

We wish you a happy, safe and peaceful holiday period sharing much love and laughter with family and friends and our very best wishes for good health, happiness and success in 2016. With warmest wishes. Anne Astin Chairperson

Creative Connections Through Craft Creative Connections Through Craft (CCTC) has had another vibrant year of public exhibitions, festival stalls and visiting artists. The program has continued to assist women from an asylum seeker and refugee background to begin their education pathway by utilising craft therapy techniques and building employability skills through activities and one-to-one support. ‘Edge of Her Seat’ was a collaboration between CCTC and Marist Youth Care’s program ‘Hammer Time’ which resulted in hand crafted wooden dining and meditation chairs. These stunning products were displayed at the Drum Theatre in Dandenong as part of Craft Victoria’s ‘Craft Cubed’ festival. Artist Motoko Katsuta Kitano has engaged CCTC in her community artwork ‘Ship of Dreams’ exploring the women’s hopes for their new life in Australia (on display early 2016, location TBA).

The one-to-one support component of CCTC has seen a number of success stories such as participant Salmah Bibi who was recently supported to launch her small sewing and alteration business ‘Sultan Seams’. We were honoured to hear Salmah tell her inspiring story at our Fundraising Dinner. I am sad to say that after 3 and a half years the CCTC program, generously funded by the ‘Margaret Lawrence Bequest’ has come to an end. I remain so proud of the many success stories from this dynamic program and all that the participants have achieved and contributed to Wellsprings and the wider community. CCTC would not have been possible without the support of many wonderful volunteers and child supervision workers along the way so to them I say a huge and heartfelt THANK YOU! As always we are assessing our participant’s needs and looking for an even better program format (and funding) so watch this space!

Mental Health First Aid In 2015, Holly and Rose became accredited Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) instructors and offered training to all volunteers and staff. MHFA is the help given to someone developing a mental health problem or in a mental health crisis. The first aid is given until appropriate professional treatment is received or until the crisis resolves. This training has been well received by all who have participated and Wellsprings has gained recognition this year as a Gold standard workplace for MHFA.

Garden Wellbeing Program Wellsprings new Garden Wellbeing Project is powering! With funding from State Trustees Wholehearted Giving Program, and loads of helping hands from St John’s Regional College, what was once an unused corner of the yard with falling down trees is now 3 thriving veggie patches. We have started a Co-op style roster which is proving effective and the garden has already been harvested several times by the members. We have also noted so many more participants spending time in the backyard space now. Thanks to all who have helped!

Holly Gordon Art Therapist/Group Facilitator Learning to Live in Australia

It has been another exciting year for the Learning to Live in Australia program. We have welcomed new participants and assisted many women seeking pathways into more formal learning programs such as computer and English classes. In June 2015, we had an incursion from ‘The Rookeepers’, a fun and interactive wildlife show that gave us the chance to get up close and personal with a range of Australian animals including dingoes, lizards, owls, crocodiles, snakes and potoroos. The participants, volunteers and staff were all amazed and, at times, frightened.

We have covered a wide range of topics including Australian history, politics and geography, mapping, public transport and roads, water and fire safety. Guest speakers from Centrelink, Anglicare, Surf Lifesaving and Diabetes Victoria shared a wealth of information with participants and staff alike.

Rose and Monira have continued to support the women one-to-one with issues and opportunities in their lives such as education, housing, legal information, social and personal needs. The program would not be the success it is without the ongoing support of our volunteers. These ladies work closely with participants in their learning, engage the children in fun activities and facilitate social skills, provide nourishing snacks for the groups and assist in countless other ways.

The LLA Program funding has sadly come to an end after many years of generous support from the Bennelong Foundation and recent support from R.E. Ross Trust. We would like to say a warm thank you to these supporters for believing in this vibrant program. Also, a huge thank you to Judy Bellesini for her help in coordinating LLA over the years and to the huge entourage of volunteers who support this program on every level. Moving into 2016, we look to what shape this program will take as we rely even more on our wonderful volunteers to support these participant’s needs on Tuesdays, in English - learning, reading, writing and on Fridays and opportunity to practise conversation.

Thank you for a wonderful year!

Tanja Cuka Tutor What a year it’s been! The end of the year is a busy time for us all but the Wellsprings team (staff and volunteers alike) are so supportive that we always manage. Staff may be looking forward to a break, but many participants don’t share our feelings. For them this upcoming long school holiday is instead a time of isolation from the connections they have formed here at Wellsprings, and they eagerly await the recommencement of classes in February. For anybody who is interested in coming to classes, don’t forget that Enrolment days for 2016 are Wednesday, 3rd and Thursday, 4th February, 2016.

Most of my time has been spent keeping us compliant with the many and varied authorities who regulate us, both as an educational institution, a neighbourhood house, and a charity. This includes reports to Learn Local, the Cities of Greater Dandenong and Casey, the Department of Health and Human Services and the Australian Charities and Not for Profits Commission.

Having said that, recently I had the pleasure of assembling a list of needy participants and their families who will be recipients of Christmas hampers donated by the generous parishioners at St Paul Apostle Church in Endeavour Hills and toys donated by Connect Chiropractic who participated in “Doctors Giving Back Day”. Our gratitude and thanks to St Paul Apostle, Connect Chiropractic and also to Club Assist who helped with the mammoth task of transporting all those hampers from St Pauls to Wellsprings for distribution. Hamper week is probably my favourite of all activities we undertake at Wellsprings. Giving really is better than receiving.

I’d like to thank everybody for their support and assistance through the year and wish you all a Merry Christmas, and good health and happiness for 2016 and beyond. Pauline Gunn Compliance Office

Season’s greetings to all our volunteers and supporters.

Term 4, 2015 I celebrated my first anniversary as the Volunteer Coordinator at Wellsprings for Women. This year I came to know the fifty plus volunteers. What has stood out to me is the immense good will among the volunteers. The good will has been evident in situations where several extra sets of hands have been needed to pull off an event like the annual meeting or the art and craft exhibition or when a volunteer will step up and join another area in need. Good will at Wellsprings is offered freely, sincerely and happily all of the time. Good will is an invaluable resource for Wellsprings. Good will is hard to measure but is something a small, financially stretched organisation cannot do without.

Energy. This is what else has stood out in my mind this year. The energy that volunteers bring to the organisation is invigorating. The volunteers come into the house ready to take on whatever is required that day: teach, answer phones, listen, unpack the dishwasher, craft, paint, engage in conversation or help with major events like our annual meeting or fund raising dinner. Our morning teas are never dull with jokes, laughter, sharing stories about funny goings on in classes or taking the micky out of each other. I have actually witnessed volunteers and staff sometimes in tears and holding their stomachs there is so much laughter. Not too many organisations have that on their list of credits.

Good will and energy. This is what I remember of the volunteers during my first year at Wellsprings. Sometimes I think the world is in short supply of both. The frenetic pace of life can be misconstrued as good or healthy energy. The good will and energy from the volunteers at Wellsprings is truly life supporting – for the participants, staff and all volunteers.

I wish our volunteers and supporters a happy festive season and a safe new year.

How quickly the days, weeks and months fly by. It is hard to believe that we are in Term 4 and facing the end of another year.

It has been a difficult year for several participants who have suffered ill health and family bereavement. Everyone shared their concern. Several paintings have been completed and one showed the improvement and gained confidence of the painter.

We all look forward to another successful ‘trading table’ on the last day of term, our way of supporting the work of Wellsprings.

June O’Doherty Tutor What a great gathering of friends and supporters of our Organisation at our Annual fundraising dinner at the end of October. We are very grateful to those who attended, those who supplied us with goods for our silent auction and raffles and those volunteers who worked tirelessly to “put the show on the road”. Our thanks to our speakers, Mr. Matthew Kirwan from the City of Greater Dandenong and Ms. Gabrielle Williams, the Parliamentary Secretary for Carers and Volunteers in the Victorian Government. It was lovely also to welcome Alan Griffin MP and Cr. Roz Blades once again to the dinner. We thank members of the Kildare Ministries Council as well as members of Staff, who attended the evening, along with St John’s College Staff.

We were very grateful to receive a cheque for $8,250 from the Principal of St John’s College, Mr Andrew Walsh, on behalf of the students fund raising efforts on “Make a Difference Day”. We were touched by the words of Salmah, one of our participants who shared with us some of her story, and we hope she will do well in her new sewing business. Our Choir was in full voice and was enjoyed by all. Hope those who attended managed to get some Christmas shopping bargains! Our thanks once again to Michael Foldi for his role as MC. A special thanks to the Committee comprising: Joanne Rosewall, Judy Bellesini, Antoinette Gargano, June O’Doherty, Ann Dalton, Jasmine Robbins, Liz Flood, and Veronica Hassett who did a magnificent job.

As part of our fund raising effort we are offering greeting cards which you can purchase from Wellsprings to send to your friends, in the form of a donation to Wellsprings, similar to that which is available from many Charities.

A copy of the card is displayed here and the order form is enclosed with the newsletter.

The words inside the card read ‘Wellsprings for Women thanks you. A donation of $_____(amount you decide to donate) has been made to Wellsprings for Women on your behalf, for the work of the Organisation, by (you put your name).’

We are grateful for your continued support of the work at Wellsprings. See you next year on the 21st of October! Thank you.

Judy Bellesini Chair-Fundraising Committee

Home Visitation Program It has been a great year for the Wellsprings Home Visitation (HV) Program, with some successful outcomes. This is reflected strongly in the feedback received from all those who participated this year. The main aim of the HV Program is to prevent, reduce social isolation, and to improve participant’s wellbeing.

This year the HV Program collaborated with the CCTC Program to engage participants and their volunteers in different activities. The strong willingness of both programs working together has developed strengths and increased the confidence level among our socially isolated participants, improving their participation level.

In term 2 HV and CCTC participants and their volunteers went on an excursion to the Sand Sculptures in Frankston, followed by a fantastic tour at the farmers market and a wonderful lunch at the beach. In September these two programs participated in a very successful

social gathering. They enjoyed creative art activities and shared lunch together. We believe that by working together as a team we can empower and meet the needs of our participants.

Next year the HV Program will take on a new step - mentoring our participants. Watch this space as we develop this new program.

To all the Funding Bodies - your support makes all of this possible. Your support has a big impact and an incredible return on changing many isolated women in our community.

We wish you a fantastic Christmas and a remarkable New Year filled with everything you hoped for! Rose Elias Coordinator of Home Visitation Program & Community Support Worker

Digital Literacy and EAL Programme at Wellsprings “You can have the courage to climb the mountain, swim the lakes, go on a raft to the other side of the Atlantic or Pacific. That any fool can do, but the courage to be on your own, to stand on your two solid feet, is something which cannot be given by somebody.” U. J Krishnamurti

Hello everyone! I am the English as an additional language [EAL] and Computer Tutor here at Wellsprings for Women. I have been in the education industry for a long time with ample overseas experience in teaching, training, assessment, curriculum, marketing, media and philanthropy. Academia is not only my field but my passion. But may I just take a pause and confess that it is here at Wellsprings for Women that I met myself. It was at this platform where I got to know the true meaning of ‘education’.

The EAL level III, which I love to call Literati Lounge, occupies a very special place in my heart for this lot is my muse. What distinguishes this multi- lingual group is the possession of remarkable critical faculties. This year the Level III marked some mini milestones, such as visiting libraries, filming and interviewing, giving presentations, researching on I-pads, and much more. As a part of our holistic approach, the Level III group also ventured into educational excursion this year to the CBD, learning about how food is central to all celebrations across different cultures.

No account of our accomplishments will be complete if I do not dwell upon the increasingly popular digital literacy program of Wellsprings. Much to my delight, all 3 levels of computer courses picked up impressive momentum this year with the introduction of ‘Blended Learning’ in the computer modules, allowing the learners to develop a spectrum of skills from social to employability. A real breakthrough is the incorporation of Intel Learn Easy Steps which has not only lifted our e-learning sessions to the higher level of blooms taxonomy but also resulted in an additional beginner’s class on Mondays. Above all, it gives me immense pleasure to announce that Wellsprings shall soon be piloting ‘Digital Literacy for Seniors’; a program designed to de-mystify the digital for those with little or no computer knowledge.

I would like to thank the members of Adult Community for Further Education [ACFE] for supporting Wellsprings. Your support has enabled us to deliver these valuable classes.

It is a privilege to be a part of the Wellsprings family, where you are raised and fed on the universal values of love, care and sharing. I eagerly look forward to serve and strengthen this wonderland in the days to come.

Rabia Babar Tutor

Please note that Wellsprings office will be closed from December 18 until late January so we ask that nothing be sent by mail until after 1 February. Electronic funds will be received in the Bank, but no receipts or acknowledgements can be issued until staff return. Please do not send cash in the mail – as it is not safe.

If you are on our mailing list or known to us, we’ll send you a receipt and thank you then. If we don’t have your details (or if you’re just not sure) – then please send an email to [email protected] giving your details to enable us to acknowledge and receipt your donation.

79 Langhorne Street, Dandenong, Victoria 3175 Phone: ( 03 ) 9701 3740 Fax: ( 03 ) 9793 9536 Email: [email protected] www.wellspringsforwomen.com ABN: 18 282 739 596

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