Collaborative Initiatives
Supporting Rural Communities
Community Kitchen, Wendouree West, Victoria, Australia
The community House in Wendouree West, Ballarat Victoria, is auspiced by the Ballarat Community Health Services. It is one of three Community Houses in Ballarat and provides a variety of educational and recreational programs.
Users of the service include young people, the elderly, disabled, single parents and their children, people with mental illness, the homeless and street children of Ballarat.
St John of God Foundation offered funds for a complete upgrade including new cooking equipment and food preparation areas in the existing kitchen. The kitchen has transformed the house, lifting the atmosphere and providing a focal point for conversation and activity. It is now a source of great pride in the community.
People are taught to budget, shop, cook and present dinner for themselves and their friends. Local secondary schools use the kitchen for life skills classes and "at risk" youth in danger of leaving school also benefit from the upgraded facilities. It has significantly increased the quality of life through better nutrition and enjoyment of food.
Geraldton Community Policing Program
The St John of God Foundation, in partnership with Community Policing WA (Geraldton Division) provides funding for the coordination of the Community Policing Program for homeless and street children present in the Geraldton area.
In Town Lunch Centre in Bunbury
The In Town Lunch Centre provides hot meals every day of the year for homeless, unemployed and disadvantaged people in Bunbury.
The St John of God Foundation sponsors special meal celebrations throughout the year for Bunbury's disadvantaged people.
Shelter from Domestic Violence - Geraldton
The St John of God Foundation, in partnership with Wonthella House, provides a refuge for women escaping domestic violence. Basic items such as linen, crockery, cooking utensils and clothes are supplied. Funds are also used to provide advocacy and support services to assist women in rebuilding their lives.
Empty Cupboard Project
The St John of God Foundation, in conjunction with Anglicare Warrnambool, provides food parcels and support to disadvantaged people of Warrnambool and outlying regions. A similar service providing emergency food supplies for the homeless and unemployment operates in Geelong.
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