12
We received funding from a local fund to provide a kids group program
as part of our Post Separation Services.
New Intensive Case Management Service position, increasing targets
from 12 to 18.
Good outcomes achieved in our first therapeutic residential care unit.
Entered discussion with DHS about opening new unit in Seymour (land
purchased).
Connect for Kids:
o Reinvigoration and consolidation of the Connect for Kids team. All
positions filled and two new Team Leaders in addition to the
Manager.
o MyLiinc team established: providing individual support to between 30
and 40 young people at any one time in addition to group and
community programs (funded by the Darley Group).
o Cartwheels (Festival for Healthy Living) delivered over 650 sessions
with 15 artists in schools during 2010 (reaching every child from 6
primary schools, and a large number of students from Alexandra High
School).
o Flower Empower Art project involved every primary school student in
the Murrindindi Shire (over 900 from 14 primary schools); each
producing a personal 'flower' with most of these 'planted' along the
Great Victorian Bike Ride Route.
o 15 new volunteers recruited, trained and involved with local Berry
Street programs.
o Emergency Relief services re-established in Kinglake and throughout
the Murrindindi Shire, with the Foodshare program extended to two
days a week.
o The Men’s Shed opportunity and involvement of Berry Street in both a
facilitation and advocacy role.
o The Firewood Program was also another initiative that has served the
community well in providing community connectedness to isolated
members of the area.
VBCMS:
o Maintained and managed a cohesive team, despite downsizing.
o Quality services provided to clients with multiple and complex needs.
o Recognising the unique needs of Marysville with a team working from
there.
New L2P driver education program established in Seymour and
Shepparton.
Increased targets for Saver Plus.
2.4.3 North & West
The NCARS (Northern Crisis and Advocacy Response Service) provided in
partnership with Crossroads and Georgina and Martina’s Refuges received
a Victorian Police Innovation award. Also, indentified as an example of
best practice by DHS who are encouraging other Integrated Family
Violence Service partnerships to adopt.
Ten male staff attended the White Ribbon Luncheon pledging to not be
silent in the face of any Family Violence situation.
With funding from the Victorian Women’s Trust, the Family Violence
partnership developed a short term film ‘Love Control’, aimed at
educating young women about the early warning signs of abusive
relationships (www.whin.org.au/resources/videos/36.html).