GSI are pleased to announce the success of a recent grant submission, with funding confirmed from the Australian Government Department of Social Services. The significant investment will support GSI to expand its critical family violence services and strengthen the broader response capabilities in Melbourne’s North.
Read more about the funding and our expansion plans in an article published by the Sisters of the Good Samaritan here
The Good Samaritan Inn has recently received funding to develop and operate a new facility that will enhance the model of support provided for victim survivors of family violence and homelessness in Victoria. The Banyule Project will be part-funded by the Victorian Government to redevelop an underutilised vacant building and renovate its structure to meet contemporary standards and create 10 new short-term homes for women and children.
As an organisation we are excited to grow the capacity, client-focus, quality, impact and value of our services. The development of the Banyule Project will support women and children with levels of disadvantage that will provide for longer lengths of stay, more independent accommodation, and specialist support. The Banyule Project will prioritise women and families without Australian permanent residency including from migrant and refugee backgrounds and women and families from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Our objectives are to support women to:
The Banyule Project will offer a range of support responses including counselling and other therapeutic group programs, case planning and goal setting, connecting to specialist and other local services and advocacy. These responses will be shaped by the needs presented by individual women and children, but it will broadly focus on healing and recovery, building resiliency and empowerment, upholding rights, and creating pathways to employment, permanent housing and self-sufficiency.
The redevelopment will commence by late 2022 and the new facility is expected to open by early 2024.
This funding means that GSI can continue to extend its reach to women and families experiencing family violence in Victoria who require continued accommodation and support to rebuild their lives.
Thank you to Architects Without Frontiers for their pro-bono work in completing essential upgrades to the Inn. Please see https://mailchi.mp/architectswithoutfrontiers.com.au/kq4hcmd62x-5540913?e=ab69162648 for more information.
“Staff are very proud of the new rooms and spaces and delight in showing women and other visitors around. Our guests comment on the light-filled, modern and highly functional amenities.
During COVID restrictions we have reduced our guest numbers and have been able to provide bathrooms for each woman/family. This is something that would not have been possible pre the renovations.” – Felicity Rorke
As the COVID-19 crisis continues, life has been particularly tough for some families. The heightened stress and sense of panic from the pandemic have led to an increase in family violence. Find out how you can help.
We are all feeling the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic. But for some, life has been particularly tough. The pandemic and economic crisis has disrupted family life and caused severe financial hardship for some. This heightened stress and sense of panic had led to a disturbing spike in family violence.
Throughout the COVID-19 health crisis, Good Samaritan Inn has continued to offer 24/7 crisis supported accommodation to women and children from diverse backgrounds. Working within strict government health protocols, staff have worked hard to meet increasingly complex needs with skill, compassion and professionalism. We have continued to offer face-to-face and telephone counselling, case management support as well as material aid and employment support.
Despite COVID-19 and violent home situations, our guests have remained resilient. But with financial hardship, mental health issues and family violence continuing to increase at an alarming rate, we need your help.
All donations, whether large or small, will go towards practical support such as essential groceries, warm clothing, toiletry packs and safe, accessible accommodation.
YES! I will help give hope to women, young people and children experiencing family violence and homelessness. Donate Now.
With increased support for women and children, and upgrades to our facilities, we are meeting the challenges ahead.
Good Samaritan Inn is now able to provide increased outreach support for critical appointments such as court hearings, medical appointments, and visits to Centrelink and the police. With our new Transitional House women are now able to stay for 6 to 12 months, avoiding the need to return to motels or other unsafe accommodation. A new on-call system is also planned to give our guests 24/7 counselling support.
Increased case management support includes the development of a journey planning document. This document, which women and children can take with them, describes what they have achieved on their journey, who has helped them and what more they want to do.
The Employment Program has begun in partnership with Danihers Facility Management. This program provides employment and mentoring for women experiencing family violence and homelessness.
Training and development to upskill all staff continues with the addition of four RMIT social work student placements. Supported by the Victorian Council of Social Services (VCOSS), a young trainee also had the opportunity to complete her Community Services Traineeship with us.
To further develop LGBTQI-inclusive practices, we have established a Rainbow Tick Working Group. An Aboriginal Cultural Safety Standards Working Group will also improve our effectiveness in supporting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander women and children.
Building upgrades, including bathroom refurbishment and installation of a lift, continue. Our rooms have also been reconfigured to offer a more flexible approach as well as improve accessibility for guests with mobility issues. Security will also be increased with the installation of a new fence around the property.
Would you like to be a part of helping women and children experiencing violence and homelessness? Find out how.
