Seven regional community groups and charities have recently been announced as the recipients of almost $650,000 in funding from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation, including four in the Hunter.
The funds will be used to support the delivery of projects and initiatives aimed at improving the health and social well-being of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in regional New South Wales.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Jennifer Leslie, said each of the seven projects would make an important difference in the communities they serve.
“We have a wonderful array of projects in this funding round, showing both the broad need in our regional communities, and the impressive drive, talent and determination our charity partners and colleagues show every day,” Jennifer said.
“This round includes programs that aim to reunite families, empower Indigenous women, and give children with a disability the chance to experience the fun and freedom of cycling.
“It shows just how much need exists in our communities and how far the need reaches.”
Lou Johnston, Peer Support and Advocacy at Family Inclusion Strategies Hunter (FISH) said the grant would help Hunter families to strengthen their connections and identities.
“This project creates opportunities for families who share the experience of having children in care to connect with and support each other as they work on changes,” Lou said.
“The project has two parts for parents and families whose children live in out-of-home care.
“The first part is an orientation program with support groups and an educational workshop for families who are new to the child-protection system, to help them navigate complicated processes.
“The second part is supported meetings and family time to strengthen children’s relationships with their families and communities while they are living in care, including family inclusion in decisions about their children.
“Both parts are provided by FISH peer workers who are parents with their own experiences of having children removed and placed in care.
“Thank you to Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation for this amazing opportunity to change the experiences of children living in care through supporting and educating their parents and families.”
Jennifer said that as the Charitable Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, it was a time to reflect on past success, present work, and future endeavours.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to pause and appreciate two decades of hard work, during which time our Foundation has distributed more than $26 million, been part of over 550 projects, built hundreds of exceptional relationships with invaluable partners, and changed countless lives,” Jennifer said.
“Staying in the present, these seven projects remind us of the value and importance our partners have in their communities, and the ways in which their hard work makes a tangible difference every day.
“When looking ahead, we dream big – and at 20 years young, we’re just getting started!”
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation holds two grant-giving ceremonies each year, with the second for 2023 set to be held in December.
