News and views from our community

The Lady in the Window <br> – Lyn Spencer's story

Lyn Spencer, otherwise known as ‘the lady in the window’, spends hours making quilts in her garage (pictured) that has a large window looking out onto the buzzing streets of her retirement village. “I can quilt and watch the world go by,” she said.She has been making quilts for over 20 years and thinks she’s probably donated over 3000 quilts during her career, all to people in need. “There’s always need” commented Lyn “and I like giving and sharing things with people”.Her quilting began when her mother moved into an aged care community, where Lyn made quilts for many of the residents. “I love doing things,” says Lyn. “I can’t sit and do nothing, and I just love fabric. If I can feel fabric every day, I’m happy!”.The love of crafting is in Lyn’s genes. She remembers cuddling up to bed with her bedridden Nanna after school and helping her make brooches. Lyn has passed the crafty gene down to her grandsons and granddaughters too, all of who have made quilts with Lyn over the years. “It’s wonderful to visit them and see our quilts around their homes.”Lyn’s donations started in 1986 in response to the Chernobyl disaster. Rotary helped Lyn to send her quilts to over 140 kids in a Ukrainian orphanage. She is now a member of a quilting group called Made with Love made up of about 20 ladies who create quilts for people in need in the community, such as St Kilda Mums, Quilts for Orphans, and more recently Baptcare. Lyn’s quilts are a perfect example of community in action. The materials are mostly donated or sourced by a good friend of Lyn’s from various op shops, and the quilting kits are distributed amongst the members of Made with Love who then contribute different parts of the quilts.It was Lyn’s sister who led her to Baptcare, after a positive experience with an IHC package and resulted in Lyn’s recent donation of some quilts to the Houses of Hope. Lyn looks forward to a long relationship with Baptcare, sharing her love and quilts wherever they’re needed.We’re blessed to have Lyn as part of our Baptcare family and so grateful for her loving care and quilts.

• 30 Sep 2021

Victorians to benefit from Baptcare Affordable Housing and State Government community housing co-investment

UPDATE | July 2022: New PassivHaus and 7-star NatHERS designed homes in Sunshine.Baptcare Affordable Housing is pleased to be building 20 new social/affordable homes in Sunshine, Victoria.All are energy efficient, and eight are being constructed to the international Passivhaus standard – an Australian first.The project is a collaboration with Homes Victoria and Creation Homes.To read more about our latest development, click here.13 September, 2021Baptcare Affordable Housing (BAH) is delighted to be partnering with the Victorian Government to deliver two new exciting social housing projects in the Keilor Downs and Lalor communities, announced as part of the Big Housing Build Rapid Round.The project includes $24m. in Government funding, and a significant co-contribution from Baptcare Affordable Housing, to build 95 new homes (representing 47 homes in Keilor Downs, and 48 homes in Lalor).The Big Housing Build is a ground-breaking partnership between the Victorian Government and not-for-profit community housing organisations. This includes BAH which exists to provide safe, secure and affordable homes for those renters in our community who are vulnerable and disadvantaged.The Big Housing Build aims to develop 12,000 social housing dwellings at a cost of $5.3bn with Community Housing Associations. It is the single largest investment in social and affordable housing in Australia’s history and should create around 10,000 jobs per year over the next four years.BAH is able to apply for funding to construct and operate social housing through the $1.38bn Social Housing Growth Fund (SHGF). We are excited our application in this initial funding round was successful.Chair of Baptcare Affordable Housing, Philip Curtis says;“Baptcare Affordable Housing (BAH) was created nine years ago, to provide affordable, well-located, and well-built housing for people on lower incomes who are or at risk of, experiencing homelessness.Our team at BAH has made a long-term commitment to expand our affordable housing communities and engage effectively with government, at both state and federal levels, to build on our existing resources and broaden our contribution to this sector.As well as providing affordable housing, BAH advocates for vulnerable and disadvantaged people in our community. At the heart of our mission is our desire to engage with and bring opportunity to people who will benefit from these affordable housing projects,” he says.Chief Executive of Baptcare Affordable Housing, Graham Dangerfield says;“We believe that secure, appropriate and affordable housing is a basic human right. We are thankful for this investment because we know that many people in Keilor Downs and Lalor are struggling to find affordable housing. Building people affordable homes is aligned with our mission that centres onpartnering for fullness of life with people of all ages, cultures, beliefs and circumstances, and our vision to create communities where every person is cherished,”he says.Minister for Housing Richard Wynne says;“We’re getting on with delivering our Big Housing Build, giving more people the certainty of a roof over their head and the security of a job.More than $1 billion in projects will start this year – delivering new housing and hope to thousands of Victorians.This is so much more than a construction project – it’s a safe place to call home, training and apprenticeship opportunities and thousands of local jobs” he says. - ENDS -For more information about Baptcare Affordable Housing visit: baptcare.org.au/services/housing/affordable-housing Media Enquiries: Baptcare Communications Phone: 03 9831 7255 Email: communications@baptcare.org.au

• 13 Sep 2021

The Enduring Gift of Fostering: Chaya’s story

Chaya Rainbird, 29, is a wonderful example of a person who had been in foster care as a young person and who is now a Baptcare foster carer herself.Chaya and her husband Fred were approved as foster carers with Baptcare in December 2019, however, delays relating to COVID restrictions meant that they didn’t meet their foster child until August 2020. Chaya commented that most weekends they welcome extra children into their home for respite visits and that she’s honoured to be a part of their life.Chaya's story*Why I ended up in foster careChaya: I was the fifth of eight children in my family and life was a constant struggle. By the time I was 14, each of my older siblings had left home. My strongest memories were of feeling constantly on edge and stressed all the time. I had to walk on eggshells around my parents and never knew what would set them off.At age 14, Chaya’s life changed when the mother of one of her friends (who was a foster carer) offered for Chaya to come and live with their family.Chaya: When my friend’s mother offered to foster me, I felt like there was hope – a light. The 1st of September, 2006 was the happiest day of my life although I felt so guilty leaving my siblings behind.Chaya’s life with the new foster family was short-lived, as the family were moving interstate. Chaya was invited to join them but didn’t feel ready to leave Tasmania at that time. However, she was really thankful for the foundation her foster care family had given her. With the support of government benefits, Chaya stayed behind in Tasmania and was accepted into a Gifted Extension course, finished school with an Academic Excellence Award, and got a scholarship into a University Arts degree. University wasn’t for her though and she eventually took up training as a chef – her current vocation.Why I chose to become a foster carerI wouldn’t be the person I am today without my foster family. They invested so much in me and showed me what a loving family looks like.My foster family were safe, warm, stable and loving. They didn’t hound me to open up. They showed me discipline by teaching but not punishing.They showed me how to behave in society and gave me a sense of security and reassured me that who I was as a person was ok.If my foster family hadn’t accepted me who knows what my life would be now. Instead, I’m a mother of 3, a fulltime chef, married for over 10 years, I pay my taxes and I’m a foster carer – all because someone fostered me as a teen.My foster family fostered a future in me. I want to do the same for other kids and to encourage other people to become foster carers too. You have no idea how your involvement can change the trajectory of a child’s life. Sometimes it’s the smallest things that make the biggest impact.If you’d like to learn more about becoming a foster carer in Victoria, please contact Jacqui Bance on jbance@baptcare.org.au or 0409 591 895.Or please call Michelle on 0417 196 605 if you'd like to chat about becoming a foster carer in Tasmania.*Image changed for privacy purposes

• 22 Jul 2021

Statement in Relation to Incident Involving Baptcare employee

Baptcare Communications Phone: 03 9831 7255 Email: communications@baptcare.org.au

• 09 Jun 2021

Barbara and Sam's story: Baptcare Karana Residential Aged Care Community

"I could see how good Karana was, so after my husband died, and I’d been living alone for ten years, I thought it would be nice to come here."When it came time for Barbara to move into Residential Aged Care, she knew she wanted to be a part of the Karana community.Barbara: I’d grown up in the area and I used to visit a friend who was living here. I’d take her to listen toSam (Samantha Lo, Baptcare Spiritual Care Coordinator and Chaplain) playing the harp. I could see howgood Karana was, so after my husband died, and I’d been living alone for ten years, I thought it would benice to come here. I liked the gardens, and the people. I was a Methodist and was familiar with the localBaptist Church, so I decided this was the place for me. I like to join in, so I go to anything that’s on here:exercises, Bible group…Sam: Barbara always does the Bible readings for us in chapel services.Barbara: I can’t sing or play the piano, but I can read. I used to do a lot of reading for The Blind Institute; reading books that students needed for their studies. I lived not far from Latrobe University, so I’d go to the library there and record myself. I reckon I was learning a lot too.Sam: We have a Bible ‘study’ group, with reading, conversation and, of course, coffee and cake! It’s very popular and includes people from different faith backgrounds. It’s a good way for new people to join a group that’s not too big, get to know a few people and feel a sense of belonging. Barbara is very good at drawing out other people’s stories; inviting other people to speak.Barbara: I learnt that from being a teacher. Sometimes you know people have something to say; they just need to be encouraged. It’s good to hear different views.Sam: If I’ve got a new person, and I know they might be a bit overwhelmed, I just have to word up Barbara and a few of the other ladies, and say, “Can you take them under your wing?”It’s one thing for me to come alongside a new person, but it’s a whole new level for a peer to come alongside. I can only imagine what it’s like to leave my own home and move into Karana. They know.Barbara: It’s just being friendly. Letting people know that there are certain things on that they might enjoy, like the hymn singing, discussion groups, Friday night harp concerts with Sam… I don’t know what we’d do without Sam.Sam: It goes both ways. The way Barbara thinks and acts, and lives her faith, is extraordinary. And with the wider Bible study group, sometimes I’ll ask them to pray for me, like when I have a funeral coming up.The compassion and inclusion of the Karana community is exemplified by their Memory Garden, which has become a tradition that allows residents and staff to share memories and show their love and support for each other. Sam: The Memory Garden started when a resident, Marion, said she’d love us to plant a red geranium after she died, “so you don’t forget me.” So now, when somebody dies, I’ll invite the family to come and plant something. It’s also a way for residents and staff to say goodbye.Barbara: It’s lovely to have a garden where memories can continue on.Sam: We had two sisters here, Pat and Joyce, who’d always lived together, and who kept to themselves at Karana. When Joyce died, Pat was on her own. I invited some residents to join in a memorial service and rose planting in the garden, and they all turned up so Pat would know she wasn’t alone. Pat was staggered that people, even ones she didn’t know, would turn out to show their love. This year, the mum of our chef MJ, died in Iran of COVID-19. I asked MJ if she’d like something planted in the Memory Garden. With her blessing, we welcomed staff and residents to attend, and so many came. It was phenomenally powerful for MJ to feel the love from all those people that day.Barbara: It was very moving. We felt lucky to do that; to be able to be with her.Sam: At the end, MJ said, “I haven’t got my family in Australia but today you’ve become my family.”It’s that spirit of community and empathy that makes Karana such a good fit for Barbara. Barbara: I’m glad I made the decision to come to Karana. I have no regrets. It’s a great place to live.

• 26 Mar 2021

Mental Health Week Tasmania: We all have a role to play

In the South of Tassie, Baptcare is partnering with Mindfulness Programs Australasia on Wednesday 7 October. Located at the Hobart Town Hall from 9.00 am-12.00 pm. The event will involve sessions on family wellbeing, interactive activities, goodie bags, prizes and a Baptcare stall to answer questions about our mental health programs.In Tassie's north, they are celebrating all month long! There will be a wellness and drop-in day on Wednesday the 28 October for all people participating in a Mindset program. The event will be held in central Launceston, with light refreshments, games and mindfully inclusive activities that tie in with the Mental Health Week theme of 'we all have a role to play'. See the online Mental Health Week programs here.Finally, as a helpful reminder to us all that October is Mental Health Month, Baptcare desktops have been updated throughout October. During the month, updates on all these activities and more will be shared via Yammer – stay tuned and make sure you let us know what your team is doing to acknowledge the importance of mental health and wellbeing, particularly in a year like 2020!

• 07 Oct 2020

Baptcare introduces Caring Dads program October 2020

6 October 2020In a first for Tasmania, Baptcare is introducing Caring Dads™; an evidence-based behaviour-change program that helps fathers improve their relationship with their children when there has been a history of violence.Part of grant funding by the Department of Communities Tasmania to support responses to family and sexual violence as a result of COVID-19, Baptcare will be running Caring Dads™ alongside the existing evidence-based program Mothers in Mind®.Family and Community Services Tasmania Operations Manager, Chris Demeyer, says that both programs, which were developed in Canada and are internationally evidence-based, have great track records in improving relationships between parents and their children.Mr Demeyer reports “In Tasmania, there has been a need for a program for fathers; to develop skills to build better relationships with their children, particularly where family violence has been a factor. We’ve wanted to do this for some time, and this funding from the Department of Communities Tasmania has enabled us to bring in Caring Dads™ to sit alongside Mothers In Mind®; a mother and child group designed specifically to meet the parenting needs of mothers who have experienced trauma, such as family violence, childhood abuse or sexual assault, and have children under the age of four.”Mr Demeyer said that having both programs available will mean that Baptcare will now be able to work not only with mothers and children who have experienced family violence, but also the men who have used violence in their relationships.Caring Dads™ uses group work to engage with men who have used violence, or are at high risk of doing so, supporting them to stop controlling, abusive and neglectful behaviour. By connecting with other men, participants learn how to cope with frustrating situations in healthy ways and to strengthen and repair relationships with their children.Caring Dads™ is aimed at fathers, stepfathers, grandfathers and those who play a fathering role and who:Worry about how angry they get with their childrenCriticise or blame the mother of their children in the presence of their childrenFeel like their children intentionally annoy themUse violence in the home toward their partner, or other adults and/or childrenComplain to their children about how their mother is spending child supportAre working with a professional who thinks this program might help themSince its development in Canada in 2001, Caring Dads™ has seen numerous benefits to including fathers in enhancing the safety and wellbeing of their children; including:Improving father-child relationshipsOffering an additional route to ending violence against womenModelling accountabilityAddressing fathers’ potential use of abuse in other relationships and with other childrenProviding an opportunity to monitor and contain risk from fathers during follow-up from the child safety and justice systemsCommencing in November 2020, Caring Dads™ groups will be run by trained facilitators across the state. It is anticipated each group will have 8-12 men participating.For referrals and more information about Caring Dads™ and Mothers in Mind® please contact:Strong Families, Safe Kids Advice and Referral Line (1800 000 123)Baptcare Northern Region, Ground Floor, 288 Invermay Road, Mowbray (6323 6700)Baptcare Southern Region, 4/95 Albert Road, Moonah (6283 5700).Media inquiriesBaptcare Communications 0400 503 713 or communications@baptcare.org.au

• 06 Oct 2020

R U Okay? Day – Start a conversation that could change a life

We all experience life's ups and downs, particularly during times like these. Such moments can really challenge us, and sadly many people feel they don't have anyone to confide in. Today is R U OK? Day, when Australians are encouraged to invest more time in the people around them, to meaningfully connect and support one another. Asking that simple but important question "Are you OK?" could trigger a conversation that changes a life.R U OK? Day is held on the second Thursday in September, as a national day of action dedicated to supporting those who may be struggling. This year's message is 'There's more to say after R U OK?' At Baptcare, our mission and vision are lived through our WE CARE values and Wellbeing plays a significant role in who we are, and what we do. Starting conversations with those who may not be quite themselves goes towards living our values, cultivating an encouraging and safe workplace, and strengthening connections with our customers, residents, volunteers, and anyone we come across in our daily lives.Today, and every day, we encourage you to look for the signs that something’s not quite right with a friend, colleague, loved one, teammate, or neighbour – trust that gut instinct, reach out to them, and ask “Are you okay?”The question is just the beginning. Have a conversation that could change a life by remembering these 4 simple steps (ALEC):Ask R U Okay?ListenEncourageCheck inResources to assist you:ruok.org.au/every-day-resourcesYou can find further information and tools at www.ruok.org.au.

• 10 Sep 2020

National Volunteer Week at Baptcare

National Volunteer Week is a great opportunity to celebrate the incredible contribution of our 1000 volunteers. Here are just 2 stories describing the wonderful people that bring so much to our Baptcare community. Evelyn Wakeling has volunteered at Baptcare for an incredible 30 years, as the pianist for the Chapel services at the Hedley Sutton and Karana communities.Evelyn begins playing the piano before the residents are brought by carers to the Chapel - her presence known to the residents by the music flowing through the building. She hears them humming along to the music on arrival in the Chapel. “The people love to sing the old hymns,” says Evelyn.When asked about her experience Evelyn shares, “I love it, it’s something I can do without thinking. I love to play the piano; I have played since I was 5 years old. I get to know the residents and provide ministry to them after the service and I know it is something they enjoy. They may not know the words, but they know the melody, it is something they grew up with."Now living in Ferntree Gully, Evelyn makes the long drive to Hedley Sutton every Monday and Thursday. Last year, she was awarded a certificate of recognition for 30 of volunteering. Baptcare acknowledges this wonderful commitment and thanks Evelyn for serving others in this way.As a social worker of many years Jen Mitchell has a deep appreciation for the importance of positive influence amongst parents and young children. Following her retirement in 2013 she saw the opportunity to bring that rich experience to the Bendigo Homestart team. Jen was impressed by the training program for Homestart Mentors and immediately felt part of the team.Since completing the training Jen has worked with four very different families but has found common ground with each of them. Jen takes a slow approach, helping families to navigate challenges as they arrive. She enjoys watching the growth of parents and children, knowing that strong foundations are being developed.When asked about her motivation for volunteering Jen responded, “I guess I feel that I’ve had a pretty good life. I had loving parents and a good education, and I’ve been able to work in an area that I enjoyed and felt (mostly!) competent in. But my work also brought me close to the great struggle that life can be for some people. And that is more often around systems and the way our communities run, rather than some innate fault in the people themselves”.Jen is grateful for the connections she has made and doesn’t necessarily feel the need to be recognised or thanked. She acknowledges that being valued within a supportive team brings that recognition every week. “It’s been a great thing to be a part of and I hope to continue for some time yet”.

• 10 Aug 2020