Creating Capable Communities - Celebrating A Journey

creating capable communities celebrating a journey

Welcome to our story about Creating Capable Communities A journey from Isolation to friendships Fear to safety Listening to action Hoping to happening…

This is a journey which has been shared by many Our story includes children and parents, young people, service providers, government departments, local business people, philanthropists and members of parliament.

At its heart, Creating Capable Communities is a philosophy; a spirit of caring for the wellbeing of others: a willingness to share what we have and what we know. Creating Capable Communities grew this spirit of caring into a program of activities and opportunities.

Those who participated have built healthier relationships, learned more about the services in their local community and how to make the best use of them.

This was achieved because people reached out to each other either to offer, or ask for help.

Any child or adult whose needs and suffering are ignored reduces us all. In our shared humanity we have the power to do what needs to be done – to help each other and invite everyone into safety and wellbeing as valued members of our affluent community.

In telling the story of Creating Capable Communities we celebrate what has been achieved.

We are excited that so many people from all walks of life have come together to make a difference, both now, and into the future. And for the children in particular, we hope you will carry forward these ways of looking after each other and model for the next generation how to be an even better community caring for families, children and youth.

Jo Cavanagh Chief Executive Family Life

I want to show families that they don’t have to be in a dark place – there are things to look forward to and opportunities to grasp that will help them.

Sue

My family moved into the Dunkley/Fox Housing Estate in 2000.

Like many others… my first contact with Family Life came after getting a flyer in my letterbox, promoting the after school Homework Club program which was being run

by Paula and Lucinda. My partner Ian and I have three young children, so I went along to have a look; I feel like I’ve been there ever since!

My family has been involved with many of Family Life’s other activities on the Estate – the Breakfast Club, Keith Street, Coffee and Chat mornings and events that are run to celebrate Housing Week. I’ve found the programs run on the Estate are a wonderful source of fun and information: not only for my own family, but for many of the other residents as well.

I began to volunteer at the Homework Club about five years ago. At first I was shy and a bit nervous. After a couple of supportive counselling sessions at Family Life, I learnt to overcome my shyness and to broaden my view of myself and others. Now, I feel much more confident and am keen to do a course which will benefit the community.

My goal is to become a camp leader.

My favourite event on the Estate is Housing Week where I am usually in charge of the candy floss machine.

I was proud to receive a Frances Pennington Award for volunteer services, gained largely from my involvement in the Venus Program and helping to win an award for the Estate’s community garden.

I have no doubt that taking part in the activities and events offered by Creating Capable Communities has made me a better person and brought out my confidence as well as building my motivation and self esteem.

1998 – The start of a new journey

In 1998 three mothers who were living in public housing estates in Highett, a beachside suburb of Melbourne, Victoria, died under tragic circumstances.

A group of local organisations came together to try to help the residents on these estates deal with the aftermath of loss, trauma and sadness. Family Life was one of the local organisations.

Meetings were arranged on the estates to hear first hand from residents about the impact of the deaths and to support them to deal with their emotions and reactions.

We encountered a group of angry and distressed people. Most were living in poverty. Over 60 different cultural backgrounds were represented, including refugees and recent immigrants. Unemployment was high and a number of children in the area were known to child protection authorities. The police were frequently called to the estates. The way in which the estates had been built tended to segregate them; increasing the residents’ sense of isolation from the surrounding more affluent community. Many of the residents related histories of terrible disadvantage, personal tragedy and of experiencing family and community violence.

Family Life’s particular role was to talk to the children and our family workers encouraged them to tell us about how life was for them in their neighbourhood. A picture emerged of these children experiencing great fear and anxiety. The impression we gained fitted the profile of children living in an urban war zone.

Children told us that when sirens went off they raced home to make sure their parents were ok. They were frightened to go out to play. They said they did not feel safe and after the deaths it was now worse. Apparently the mothers who had recently died were ones who kept an eye on children playing in the neighbourhood.

The stories we heard from children and adults were full of helplessness, anger, and a belief that those in authority didn’t care. We were told that at times this anger and frustration spilled over into conflict between residents. This sense of frustration was shared too by the representatives of government departments who attended these meetings. They described their sense of frustration when vandalism and crime went unreported, and their efforts to improve situations seemed to be repeatedly undermined.

The service providers who had been involved in the community debriefing sessions were shaken and shocked by the picture of disconnection and marginalisation that was emerging. We realised the urgent need for change. Together we thought about how we could help to build hope and improve life in these high need neighbourhoods. And so we decided to go back to the parents and to ask, “What would you like? What would be most helpful for you?”

We accepted that the services we were providing needed to be more relevant and responsive to members of these communities. We were aware of the urgent need to improve conditions for the children. And so began the first stage of what was to become for all of us, a new journey as we listened, helping to provide what residents asked for and working to earn their trust.

Workuha

I have no extended family in Australia.

So having the chance to join the Creating Capable Kids program and Keith Street Community House has broken the sense of isolation and loneliness for me.

When I first got involved with Creating Capable Kids my ten month old son was having sleeping difficulties. He would only go to sleep if he was with me and then only for spells of 35-40 minutes at a time. Thanks to a suggestion from the Family Life staff, I got help from the Queen Elizabeth Baby Centre. Things got better for us after that. I realised how good it was to have people around who could give practical ideas, or tell me about services such as this, that I never knew about.

The Keith Street Community House is a place where we can share ideas. We come for a chat and to learn together. We have a feeling of belonging and community.

One day, Roger and Pat Riordan from the Cybec Foundation dropped into Keith Street for morning tea. They told Family Life they wanted to give a scholarship for a refugee child to attend St Leonard’s College and asked for help to choose a family.

When they met me and my family they offered my eldest son, Esana, the scholarship.

For me this wonderful opportunity was ‘a Tattslotto!’ Now Roger and Pat feel like a part of my family.

Being involved with the Creating Capable Communities program also gave me the confidence to do a volunteers course. I feel that when you get something from the community, you have to pay back. I have also completed the Creating Capable Leaders course, and I think something will continue for me from that as well. For me, every week at Keith Street holds wonderful memories and milestones.

Keith Street now feels like my second home, and I have come to feel that I am a valued member of that community.

Creating Capable Kids

Our first step in 1998 was to focus on the children. We needed to help their parents, and to find ways of helping the children to feel safer in their neighbourhood.

With the agreement of the Myer Foundation, Family Life re-directed a therapeutic children’s services grant to set up a series of workshops to help the children living on the estates who had described such feelings of fear and anxiety.

The children gathered over a number of weeks to make puppets and to use puppet play as the way of talking about trust and safety. Parents heard what their children were doing, and started attending the group as well! When the program finished, the parents expressed their disappointment, asking if we could provide a fun group activity for them.

Drawing on research about effective support services for parents (Daro and Penn Foundation research) Family Life staff and volunteers put together a program of activities for parents which focused on their desire to achieve the best for their children. The parents decided to name the program Creating Capable Kids, reflecting the aspirations they held for their children’s futures.

During 1998 – 1999 the program ran on two different Public Housing Estates with financial support from local government (Bayside Council) and Family Life donors. Each of the parents who participated was presented with a personalised folder in which they collected weekly handouts including information on discount shopping outlets, local service agencies, parenting tips and suggestions for healthy budget meals and recipes.

Families referred to Family Life by maternal and child health nurses and child protection were also linked into the program. When we asked the parents at the end of the session for their feedback, they reported that they felt better about themselves, were enjoying better relationships with their children, had strengthened their parenting skills, had increased confidence and had a better knowledge of local services.

The benefits of helping parents to come together, learn together and develop friends in the neighbourhood were evident. At the same time, Family Life staff were learning from these parents how to use our knowledge and skills more effectively for the benefit of these isolated and disadvantaged parents and children. As we learned even more about life in their neighbourhood we acknowledged how important it was to work within resident’s own communities; to get into the places and to create spaces where we could build hope and initiate change.

From these beginnings, a more ambitious program was developed in partnership with parents and other agencies as well as involving more people from the wider community.

And so, the vision for Creating Capable Communities was born; a vision that aspired to ensure that the children in these estates were safe and enjoyed the same opportunities to thrive as children in more affluent suburbs; that their parents were supported to provide the best nurturing they could; that parents were supported by friends in a neighbourhood where a wider circle of volunteers, community services and resources were also freely available.

Bernie

Almost as soon as I moved into the Dunkley/ Fox Estate I learnt about Family Life through the colourful leaflets and flyers that were dropped in my letter box, telling us about their services and encouraging people to help out and get involved.

I was reluctant to participate though, because I was very shy, and at that stage life on the Estate was all still new and a bit scary for me. As a newcomer though, I had noticed with interest how many of the residents were going to the activities and programs that were run by Family Life’s Creating Capable Communities.

One day, one of the new friends I had made dragged me along to a BBQ they were running for residents. I joined in that day, and afterwards realised that this just might be good for me; in taking part and meeting up with my neighbours, I would have the chance to get to know the families and the kids that my sons were going to be around and playing with. It also helped me to feel more welcome and relaxed in our new community.

After that first BBQ I decided to go to one of the Coffee and Chat mornings that Family Life was holding. To my surprise, the atmosphere was very easy going and I immediately felt accepted. I think I had expected something a bit more stiff and formal. The Coffee and Chat mornings gave me the chance to speak up; to voice my opinions and to have a say in what was happening in the community we were part of. It was also a great learning experience.

My boys and I enjoy all the events that Family Life holds on the Estate. I like the fact that they bring everyone together in one place; it’s like a safety net for everyone.

It has also taught me an important lesson: to be less judgemental of others.

This program (Creating Capable Communities) has offered me the chance to try out a range of opportunities that I may not otherwise have had. With two young children, money can be tight at times.

I have taken part in the Venus Program and the Creating Capable Leaders course and both of these have helped to boost my confidence enormously. I’m now more positive in my outlook, and have a wider circle of friends and contacts. I feel more connected into my community. I have shown that I can achieve things and make changes – not only on the Estate, but in my own personal life. Now I am eager for further personal growth and learning.

Creating Capable Communities

In 2001, when the Australian Government sought submissions from agencies who were interested in setting up new services to help to build stronger families and local communities, Family Life applied for three years funding.

The application was supported by a group of key partners from government and community service agencies. Later they would form the Creating Capable Communities Reference Group which guided the establishment and development of the first three years of the program.

The submission was successful and the project aims were: Improving family and community well being by strengthening the capacity of the wider local community to respond to the needs of these families Improving parenting and relationship skills Skilling and supporting residents to initiate and manage local community projects Building social networks and connections Creating a community that is healthier and more supportive of parents and their children Increasing family and social connectedness and reciprocity

With representatives from local, state and federal government as well as health and community services we set out to develop an integrated approach to planning and service development. An essential element for us was to involve the residents; asking them to tell us about their specific requests and suggestions.

Homework and breakfast clubs, community BBQs, community activity days and cultural festivals all evolved as part of a dynamic series of activities that provided regular weekly, monthly, bi-annual and annual opportunities for residents to come together.

A first step for us in developing the concept behind Creating Capable Communities had involved Family Life ‘letter-boxing’ residents, inviting them to use our services. A number of residents have told in their stories of how this was often the first time that they had heard of Family Life and the services we offer.

A second and far more crucial step for us however, was when we moved from offering to help, to another letter box drive, asking these same people to help US! This was a subtle but profound turning point in the program.

Parents took over running aspects of all activities and as a service provider, Family Life shifted from facilitating to enabling. Some of our community volunteers took the lead in various roles and residents took the lead in others. Staff remained to provide support or to help make links and connections with local resources and services. Through our rich network of local contacts we also gathered support from local service clubs, businesses and Members of Parliament.

The Keith Street Community House which was provided by Office of Housing in 2003 became a significant milestone for us, providing really tangible evidence to residents of the support that was available from government and the community. Keith Street became a focal point for informal community gatherings, skill based programs, play groups and family support activities.

As we approached the end of three years (2004) residents joined with us in celebrating three years achievements and in seeking a further two years funding from the Australian Government to consolidate progress and to add another important component to the existing raft of services and events.

We knew that for long term sustainability, the community we were working in needed its own leaders and ambassadors.

A further two years funding was approved, and this created an opportunity not only to continue to run the activities that had by now attracted so much interest, but to branch out to offer other programs in the wider community in partnership with other services.

A crucial centre piece was the development of a new initiative offering residents the chance to participate in a program of leadership development.

Keiran

I was fostered out from birth, and my early childhood was very unhappy.

I was kicked out of my last foster home when I was only fourteen years old; with just the clothes I was wearing at the time. Life became a series of youth refuges and bush shacks. From there I slid into heroin use and petty crime, moving around a lot – from King’s Cross, to Adelaide and finally to Melbourne, where I have lived for about nine years.

Just before my daughter Jasmine was born I started to make huge changes in my life. I gave up drugs and crime. Shortly after Jasmine’s birth, my partner left me, and I sought help from the Department of Human Services. After a year and half, the Department recommended that I contact Family Life for continuing support.

I discovered that Family Life ran the Keith Street Community House but it took me about four months before I had the courage to attend. After all, it was very daunting for a young, single father – all the other participants were women, and I had doubts about being welcome or fitting in.

Eventually, another Keith Street regular – Jayne – practically dragged me along to one of the sessions. At first it was a bit awkward, what with talk about breastfeeding and knitting, but I soon found my niche. Being the only male there, I made myself useful – cleaning out the shed, lifting heavy things and helping with the cooking. Some of the mothers were a little wary at first, but now I feel like a much valued member of the Keith Street community.

Without Family Life and Keith Street, it would have been a lot harder for me to parent my young daughter. I had no family to fall back on, and when I took Jasmine to day care I sometimes felt that there may have been some prejudice against me and my background which made me close myself off. I have seen some wonderful changes in Jasmine since we first became involved at Keith Street – initially, she would not let me out of her sight, but now she is happy to play with the other children and to let me go off and do other things. The joy of seeing her so outgoing and happy is largely what keeps me going back to Keith Street.

I have not been able to work since becoming a full time parent, but I love woodwork. Sadly, I lost all my tools when I split from my partner. But fate was to intervene – another Keith Street regular generously gave me her father’s tools after he passed away. He had loved working with wood all his life and she tells me that her family is pleased that his much-loved tools have passed from one craftsman to another. Now I am determined to do a carpentry course and to use my skills in the building trade. I also want to make old-fashioned wooden toys – such as trains and trucks – and sell them cheaply to children whose families can’t afford more expensive ones.

Thanks to Family Life and Keith Street, I feel that I am moving forward in my life in a positive way.

My first priority is to be the best father I can to Jasmine.

The Keith Street Community House

Participation in the Creating Capable Kids and Creating Capable Communities continued to grow.

With the support of local agencies and service providers, Office of Housing was able to respond to our request for a house with a sizable garden which could be set up as a local drop in centre.

A house was found in Keith Street.

The parents and children were thrilled and took great pride in working with local service clubs and businesses to create a house and out door play space that could cater for a variety of different interests and age groups.

In August 2003 the Keith Street Community House was opened in Hampton East. “Keith Street”, as it is known to residents, is now a popular community hub, providing the chance for previously isolated parents to build friendship networks, and a sense of belonging.

Volunteers from across the community make a crucial contribution at Keith Street, helping out; offering practical help and ideas, as well as sharing their life experience, expertise, skills, knowledge and time.

Programs that run at Keith Street include: Cooking groups Craft groups Coffee and chat mornings Christmas activities Community Care groups Those who have attended programs at Keith Street find the atmosphere warm and welcoming. Parents and their children see it as a safe and friendly environment in which to socialise with others who share similar circumstances and experiences.

Family Life volunteers and participants also work together to provide healthy snacks and meals. Some participants bring along their own recipes to cook as a special treat for the group. The backyard is now well equipped and the cubby house and sandpit are great favourites.

Keith Street is also a convenient place for residents to meet with representatives from Office of Housing and members of Local, State and Federal Government, to express their views and advice about their needs and the most effective use of public resources.

Community leadership and activism is seeded and growing.

Samara

I was homeless from the age of fourteen and my life was just a ‘mess’ when I shifted into the Hampton/Highett area about two years ago.

With my daughter Jade about to turn two and my partner recently hospitalised, the difficulties in my life seemed at times to be spiralling out of control.

Some people I knew suggested that I contact Family Life, and I began seeing a psychologist there. Around the same time I fell pregnant again, and was often too sick to keep my appointments. I was freaked out about bringing the new baby home, and after seeing a card about the Community Bubs program run by Family Life, at my local supermarket, I remember thinking that this might be exactly what I needed.

Four or five days after my second son’s birth, I suffered from post natal blues.

Fortunately I had stored Tina’s (from the Community Bubs program) number in my mobile. I contacted her from hospital because I really wanted her to be there on the day I was discharged because I was so scared of not being able to cope with the baby on my own. Thankfully, Tina was there when I got home from the hospital, and she and I clicked immediately. I felt that if any one could, she would support me through what I thought was going to be a very tough time.

With help from Tina and the Community Bubs program, I have become much more confident. Now I feel that I am a more positive and self-assured parent.

With Tina’s help, and after a few false starts, I also went along to Keith Street.

Some unhappy previous experiences in group homes meant that I was a bit scared and nervous the first couple of times, but I found that the people there were very welcoming. Going to Keith Street opened up so many doors for me and my family and being invited to take part in the Creating Capable Leaders program was a wonderful opportunity. It inspired me to make some very positive decisions about my life.

Now my thoughts have shifted from wanting help from the Keith Street House to wanting to help the House.

I was at a stage in my life where I needed a mentor to guide me toward the path I wanted to go down and thankfully Family Life was there.

Community Bubs

The Community Bubs program began in August 2003 offering intensive support to parents with new babies who were overwhelmed with family stresses or who lacked family support.

A local couple, Roger and Pat Riordan are the trustees of The Cybec Foundation and this foundation provided start-up funding for Community Bubs for three years.

We wanted to develop more effective ways of helping these families; a way which would encourage life changes and wellbeing for them and for their children into the future.

The Community Bubs program provides assistance to families with infants aged from 0-4 months who may be experiencing any number of difficulties or problems in their lives which may compromise their capacity to care safely for their children. Without early intervention and intensive support, there is every possibility that Child Protection authorities may otherwise be involved.

The Community Bubs program focuses on improving parenting and relationship skills, budgeting advice and assistance, building community connections as well as knowledge of local services and resources. The objective is to enrich families’ lives with the knowledge, relationships and resources that they need to be effective parents. Our shared goal is to help overcome personal and social challenges and to ensure the best start possible for every child.

In this program, Family Life staff and trained volunteers work alongside parents, helping them to build on strengths and skills. A special focus is building stronger connections with community services and networks, so that they have friends and supports in their neighbourhood; people who can help them in their day to day lives as well as in a crisis.

A core element of the program is the intensive home based support provided by the Parent Support Worker who visits families in their homes, for up to three months. A family support volunteer may then be involved, offering further support for twelve months. An important focus during that time is to link up with neighbourhood activities run by volunteers and residents.

The Dunkley Community Centre and Keith Street Community House have been vital for encouraging these community links and supports. 100% of the children whose parents completed the Community Bubs program have remained safely in the care of their parents. This outstanding success has encouraged the Cybec Foundation to provide funding for a further three years. Our goal is to now to transfer the learnings from Community Bubs to Family Life’s work with a broader range of families and services.

The learning is also being shared with colleagues and other service providers through research and conference papers which are available on the Family Life website www.familylife.com.au Roger and Pat Riordan, the Cybec trustees, live in the Bayside community. They have maintained an active engagement with Community Bubs including attending events with parents in the neighbourhood, participating on the pilot program Reference Group, and providing additional support to some families.

The Riordan’s provide a wonderful example of sharing resources across neighbourhoods within the one community and what is often called high engagement philanthropy.

Roger and Pat have a real interest in exploring ways of effectively using their resources for the benefit of others.

They have developed friendships with parents and children and a deep insight into how social conditions can create overwhelming and impossible conditions for parents, particularly those who are struggling with mental health issues, traumatic life experiences and a lack of family support.

Jayne

Because of my difficult past, I felt ‘clueless’ and nervous about becoming a parent for the first time.

After my baby was born, I often felt alone and helpless. And so, for me, joining Family Life’s Community Bubs program in 2003 was a wonderful experience. I was given a lot of support by Community Bubs and I reckon that I’ve learnt just about everything I need to know about parenting.

If I hadn’t done the program, I know that I would have been a lot more isolated. I would have struggled and wouldn’t have been aware of the many contacts and resources that were available to support and help me. I think I would have probably just stayed at home and ‘let nature take its course’, trying to do the best I could. Now, I have a lot more confidence in myself as a parent.

I did not want to feel cut off and isolated again, and so I decided to go to Keith Street Community House. I have been going there now for over two years. My partner works night shift and I enjoy the friendship and companionship. I don’t feel as isolated, and I don’t have to tip toe around like I do at home when my partner needs his sleep!

Keith Street just feels to me like a home away from home; I’ve made so many friends there. Also, there is continued support provided by the Family Life staff, and if I have problems or difficulties I know that if I share them with one of the workers, they will listen to me and give me good advice. Coming to Keith Street twice a week gives me so much joy – I have watched my daughter grow up there: from being just a tiny baby lying on the floor to a confident toddler playing with her friends.

Having benefited from my involvement with Family Life, I am now working as a Family Support volunteer. I also co-facilitate a local play group in another public housing neighbourhood, hoping to pass on what I have learned. Because I have come such a long way in my life now I also want to give something back. I want to show others that they too can reach the places where they want to be with a little help and guidance.

I want to show families that they don’t have to be in a dark place – there are things to look forward to and opportunities to grasp that will help them.

Volunteering

Involving community volunteers in the work of our agency is one of Family Life’s core values.

Along with staff, our volunteers are the backbone of our agency. They give us their time, expertise and life experience which enriches the life of our agency as well as its programs and services.

Volunteering builds self esteem and confidence and for many is the pathway to further education and employment. All of the programs and activities that have run under the banner of Creating Capable Communities have involved community volunteers.

Some of the residents have also offered to assist with activities; others have progressed to taking on more responsibility, participating in the volunteer training that is run by Family Life.

One example of the way in which both community volunteers and Creating Capable Communities participants have worked in tandem together is the Breakfast Club which started in 2004 as a partnership between a group of local agencies and residents.

A good breakfast sets children up for the day, as well as establishing a pattern of healthy eating and routine.

Parents whose children have attended the Breakfast Club have told us that this has helped to establish home routines and healthy eating patterns, as well as providing opportunities for them and their children to meet other local families.

Residents and volunteers worked together to plan and develop this weekly activity. It is a great example of resident’s willingness to identify and respond to their neighbourhood needs, seeking resources and assistance from local agencies when required.

After two years Family Life has now moved into more of a supportive role, with residents running the program independently. Some have completed volunteer training with Family Life, and are now helping outside their own neighbourhood.

Jayne for example, has trained as a volunteer. Now she assists with a playgroup for parents and children living on the Elsternwick / Brighton Housing Estate.

Her experience provides an insight into the challenges faced by those mothers who may initially lack the confidence to join community activities, but who, with support and encouragement, go on to make a unique contribution; helping others through volunteering.

This is why Family Life is so committed to the volunteer team model which was developed by the agency founders. Our volunteering program is funded with support from the community.

With the growing evidence of the many benefits to be gained from volunteering, Family Life continues to advocate for volunteering and community capacity building to be core funded activities of government sponsored family, children and youth services.

Jo

I had already done some courses at Family Life, including the Making Choices program for women who have experienced family violence.

Then I was asked if I would like to take part in the new Venus Program that Family Life was developing with Fernwood Women’s Health Club. Having just ended an abusive relationship, I jumped at the chance.

I knew that I needed to make major changes in my life. My self confidence was low, and I wanted to address my weight issues in order to feel better about myself and be a fitter, happier Mum to my boys. I felt honoured to have been asked to take part in the Venus Program – something I could not have afforded on my own – and I was determined to make the most of the opportunity.

From the very start, I embraced the program, and the special sessions that were included – especially the one on make-up techniques. I was chosen as the model for the day, and felt that I looked gorgeous when I was all ‘done up’; I was ready to hit the town!

I was pleased to find that I could do the exercises at home as well as the gym, and incorporated them into my new fitness program – including watching my eating habits and improving my lifestyle.

I felt such a sense of achievement when I had completed the program. I felt that I had accomplished something on my own and that this had become part of my healing.

The program has benefited my life in so many ways. I am fitter and more confident.

I wake up each morning feeling full of energy and good about myself. My boys have noticed the difference in me and praise me for my efforts.

I am full of energy and feel ready to face any challenges that life presents to me.

The Venus Program

This was a very popular new opportunity in which Family Life worked with Fernwood Women’s Health Centres to develop a corporate social responsibility initiative.

Family Life was keen to collaborate with Fernwood Women’s Health Centre to promote an integrated health and fitness program which addressed both physical and emotional wellbeing and to make this opportunity available for women for whom the fees would normally be prohibitive.

Fernwood wanted to develop a program which would make a real difference in the lives of women they would not normally reach.

Family Life was able to offer our expertise and relationships with women to help Fernwood take their idea from talk to action.

Two groups of women – one from the Highett/Hampton area and one from the Frankston/Mornington area – were invited to take part in a three month program at their local Fernwood Centre.

This included: A fitness and personal training program Diet advice Assistance with goal setting Life coaching Beauty advice Preparing a resumé and career advice Financial planning information Consistent with our partnership model, the program participants were asked to provide us with feedback. The feedback confirmed outstanding outcomes and changes in individual and family knowledge about health and exercise.

The Venus Program is a great example of how a large corporate organisation can partner with a local community based agency to develop a program which benefits both the participants and the business. There is also the possibility of replication; Fernwood has now rolled out a national version of the Venus Program.

We hope to have further opportunities to develop similar programs which will deliver such synergistic benefits.

Nyawarga

My family and I arrived in Australia from Sudan in 1999.

The following year we moved on to the Dunkley/Fox Estate in Highett. Having only recently arrived in Australia we were so happy to have a home, but settling into a new area and culture could at times be a little scary and frightening for us all.

My children attend the Homework Club which Family Life runs. I find that the Club not only helps them with their school work, but with their reading as well. It has also helped me to make new friends and improve my grasp of English.

Being chosen to take part in the Creating Capable Leaders program was very special for me. I enjoyed the program, although sometimes I found it a little difficult because I am still gaining skills in my new language, English. I was very proud to have completed the course though.

I made new friends and particularly enjoyed the rock climbing activity that was run as a team building exercise. I also found the information about the services that are available in the local community very helpful, because I have so recently arrived in this country.

After completing the Creating Capable Leaders course, I started as a volunteer with the Family Life Opportunity Shop. This has given me valuable experience in the retail field, which I hope may lead to employment in the future.

Creating Capable Leaders

The first Creating Capable Leaders training program was run in early 2006.

The aim of the course was to ‘enable residents in their communities to identify and work towards common goals and improve the wellbeing outcomes of families and children who reside in public housing’.

Seven women took part. They had either attended the Keith Street Community House or were living on the Dunkley/Fox estate. The course included core topics which were aligned with a number of the modules in the TAFE Certificate IV in Community Development. It was designed as a platform for participants to progress to further study or career opportunities if they chose to.

This course not only empowered the participants to see themselves as community leaders but has provided them with new knowledge, awareness and skills.

One early spin off has been the establishment of a music group for children that has been named Sing and Grow; proudly planned and run by the parents from the Keith Street Community House.

I feel very proud to have taken part in the training and I’m starting to feel proud of myself. I’m also proud of all the other participants because I can see a change in them.

This has been an opportunity for my future. This is one door open for me to step out and make my life much better.

It has made me think about doing some volunteering and possibly further education and qualifications.

We can be leaders in our own families, as well as the community.

We can do things that will make changes.

Quotes from participants

White –header Paula Family Life Program Manager

My first recollection of Creating Capable Communities was working on the Dunkley/Fox Close Estate with a colleague Dilek.

We facilitated a group for African mothers who had just arrived on the Estate. This group did not go well initially – the signs advertising the group were pulled down off the walls and some other women on the Estate were angry the group was being run without them involved. So we opened the group to all mums on the Estate; from that group came the initial idea for the Homework Club.

Dilek and I set out to buy resources and organise details for the group to start. We had about six families the first night. Most of the parents wanted more of our time rather than the children. We arranged for volunteers to assist the next week, so we had more time for the parents.

The Homework Club grew and so did new events residents asked for – BBQs, Housing Days, go kart races, karate, lunches, easy meals and many other events.

My initial memories of this time are of big noisy groups with many children having fun and utilising their own community space, with plenty of food and mini raffles at the end of each activity. Slowly some of the parents wanted to help and they took on tasks to help with the organisation of the activities.

Some of the early meetings with many of the residents and representatives from Office of Housing, Brotherhood of St. Laurence and other agencies were difficult, as the residents felt they were not supported in the past.

As we worked to overcome and resolve issues, it was interesting to watch these residents become the key promoters of the program and encouraging families get in touch with Family Life to ask for assistance.

Some families needed help with housing and material aid, for others there were pressing dental needs for themselves and their children. For some they faced the removal of children by Child Protection or needed help with high conflict and abusive family relationships. Making teeth and dentures available for women who have never had them opens up many new life possibilities.

Helping with family issues became life altering, even though it might take several months to achieve small milestones. When we can keep children out of foster care by helping the extended family step up with support it is marvellous. While all this is happening, other everyday miracles are occurring. Parents are looking after each other, and each other’s children, driving to school, helping out, lending appliances – a new community is born.

Creating Capable Communities changed these families and their lives: children smiled more, parents waved, and police were there as part of the team and not a threat or someone to be feared. It also changed workers and volunteers; we had a new appreciation of the resilience of families and especially children in often very difficult circumstances.

It is now a different community that still faces many challenges but faces them together, with additional support when required. They know they can call on each other more, and that agencies are there to assist when required too.

Families are feeling more confident and no longer scared of the future. They live with a sense of Hope. This is an incredible achievement.

Marilyn – Family Life Worker

My first memory of working in the Creating Capable Communities program was a trip I made with Paula when I was a student at Family Life in 2001.

We were having a lunch for the families at the Elsternwick Housing Estate and I was asked to go along. I met the Maternal and Child Health nurse and we door knocked the families that she was visiting and invited them to come.

I really enjoyed the friendly and positive relationships that I observed taking place with the families. I also started to regularly attend the Homework Club that had been established at the Dunkley/Fox Housing Estate. I enjoyed watching the children coming along to get help with their homework and have fun with each other and the Family Life workers.

When I was employed at Family Life I became a part of the Creating Capable Communities program and in 2003 we started a parents group at Keith Street, a community house specifically set aside for public housing families.

This program became very dear to me and we had great success over the years creating a lovely, caring and safe environment for young children and their families to connect with other parents, their local community and learn important life skills.

In 2004 Family Life, through partnership with other community agencies, started a Breakfast Club at the Highett Estate. This has become a very popular program with the families living on the estate, especially the children.

Senior Sergeant Gerry Lambourne arrives at 7.00am every Wednesday morning to cook the eggs for breakfast. The children and parents who attend have developed a special relationship with Gerry, often asking him to bring the police motor bike and to sit in the police car. The parents now ask him for advice and have come to trust him with their problems.

I like to see the kids interact with him and can remember in the beginning one child saying, “My dad hates the police.” Now, ‘dad’ is good mates with Gerry. Gerry also knows and remembers how everyone likes their eggs, which is important!

Now the police car in the parking lot doesn’t always mean there is trouble somewhere on the estate.

Finally, because I live in the same neighbourhood, I often see families at the local shopping centres. I often hear “Hi Marilyn” from one of the kids and I know I am in the right job because I value those relationships so much.

Tina – Family Life Team Leader

As the Parent Support Worker for Community Bubs, one of my most important roles was assisting isolated families to develop friends and supports in their neighbourhood.

Trust amongst residents in the public housing estates was a major problem.

Keith Street Community House became the focal point for introducing the families and children. Parents were nervous and worried about “being judged”.

However, I always got excited about walking new families up the road to Keith Street.

I knew that once they got inside and met the other parents and children they would start to relax. The children would lead the way and start to play with the other children and the toys. Mums and Dads would start to talk with the other parents and begin to make new friends. Each new parent would be made to feel welcome and included.

Over time these parents who had once not wanted to go outside their home became more social, their self esteem and confidence improved. Everyone’s parenting skills developed through the role modelling and learning from each other, workers and volunteers.

Since 2003 and the beginnings of Community Bubs I have seen the growth in parents celebrating each other and their children’s birthdays with parties. Families now meet up on the weekends and go on outings together via public transport and parents organise baby sitting and have a night out together. Parents have run craft and cooking sessions at Keith Street with encouragement from staff and volunteers who see the parent’s skills and strengths, capacity to learn and share with each other.

In my new team leader role, I remain passionate about building the Creating Capable Communities and Community Bubs programs. These important community programs provide parents and children with opportunities to grow, promote change in their neighbourhoods and achieve wellbeing for all.

Alison – Family Services Manager

When I joined Family Life in 2003, Creating Capable Communities and Community Bubs became my responsibility as the Family Services Co-ordinator.

It’s been an exciting journey and one I am very proud and privileged to be part of.

Key staff, such as Paula and Marilyn had already been building relationships with residents on the Bayside Housing Estates and trust and goodwill was developing slowly and surely.

One of my critical tasks was to make sure that we were building the evidence of what was working and what we could do better. Never again will I think (as many of us do) that documentation and collecting evidence is one of those ‘dry’ tasks that just has to be done! Collecting evidence and involving residents, volunteers and staff in this process, has been a creative, interactive experience built on our Family Life values of respect, empowerment, inclusion and community. Our work together involved: Building genuine relationships with residents Listening and seeking to understand their stories Working alongside and inspiring staff and volunteers Valuing everyone’s contribution Acknowledging strengths and building on skills Reflecting on if we are making any difference

Learning from what we know Risking trying something new Celebrating the wins – big and small Sharing generously our learning with others The highlights that have inspired me in gathering the evidence have been in: Opportunities to present papers and workshops at conferences and forums Involving residents in the making of the Community Bubs DVD Sitting and talking to residents and feeling moved by their courage and determination Witnessing the relationships that have been built between people – staff, volunteers, residents, partnerships Delivering the Creating Capable Leadership training Building a solid and committed staff team Every time I pull that evidence together in a report, a paper, an article – I am reminded of the real work that’s happening on the ground and I am extremely proud of staff who put in a huge effort, volunteers who freely give their time, partners who want to contribute something of value, and families who generously share their lives with others.

As with most poignant experiences, it’s not based on a tried and true formula – it’s about people building meaningful, inclusive relationships for the wellbeing of all.

To find the best in others; to leave the world a little better; whether by a healthy child, a garden patch or a redeemed social condition; to know even one life has breathed easier because you have lived.

This is the meaning of success. Ralph Waldo Emerson

Parents and Residents as Our Partners Those who participated in Creating Capable Communities and the related programs and community activities, have shared their inspirational stories with us.

Those who have so generously and courageously shared their stories with us in this book, describe wonderful life changes, referring to themselves as: Confident Positive Motivated A better person

They are stories of change and transformation: filled with pride, as well as a sense of achievement, purpose and optimism. They prove that parents who are isolated, poor, afraid or stressed, can, if offered the right kind of support and opportunities, progress with their lives to do they best they can for their children.

A better parent A better partner Having goals and a purpose Active Connected into my community

When we first met, the parents spoke of:

Optimistic and hopeful

Parenting problems

Keen to have a say; to speak up

Violence in their families and communities

Able to ask for help

Feeling cut off from their local communities and neighbourhoods

Getting on better with my kids

As one voice, they described feeling: Isolated Fearful Powerless Frustrated Lonely Hopeless This had significant consequences for them both individually and as parents.

Knowing more about the local services that are available for help and support These families have credited many of these changes to their involvement with Creating Capable Communities.

Family Life was founded in 1970 on the basis of a belief in the value of community caring. These values still inform our practice today.

We have described how Creating Capable Communities evolved in partnership with residents. It was their contributions and involvement that helped create the range of programs, activities and opportunities provided under the umbrella of Creating Capable Communities.

We began by asking the residents themselves what they wanted to change or improve; it was they who informed the activities and strategies that were developed.

Our paramount responsibility as a community service agency was to ensure the safety and wellbeing of children. Hence we focussed in particular on the needs of parents in the neighbourhood, at the same time involving the broader community. We knew that to achieve improved wellbeing for children and their parents we must create safe neighbourhoods that flourish within the context of wider networks of services and support.

We named the first program Creating Capable Kids and then later Creating Capable Communities. Creating Capable Communities reflects the broader reach of activities and services that were being provided and the dual aspect of improving the capability for self sufficiency in the high need neighbourhoods as well as the capability for generosity and sharing in the broader community.

Developing Creating Capable Communities involved: Listening to the residents and encouraging them to describe how life was for them; in us asking and listening Going to where the residents were, with employed and volunteer staff working in the neighbourhoods and on the estates Building trust by working alongside residents and delivering consistently on our promises Reflecting on our own professional practice and continually searching for ways of making our services more relevant and responsive

Focusing on what communities were highlighting as their major concerns and problems and inviting residents to help Leveraging the agency’s resources and networks across the broader community and socio-economic groups Bringing in other individuals and organisations with needed expertise and resources – government, business and community Increasing social connectedness and reciprocity within the neighbourhood through activities, groups and events The volunteers who participated in Creating Capable Communities played a crucial role in providing support to families and in developing a safer community context.

The spirit of generosity embodied in volunteering has a unique inspirational value. The training volunteers receive within a professional community service organisation helps to build confidence, a culture of speaking up, lending a hand and offering mutual support.

As well as volunteers, other service providers and community members were also invited to share in this journey with us. They have helped to build a stronger resource base of local networks and social capital.

Together we achieved the twin goals of building a stronger network of services and opportunities for a group of vulnerable families and residents, as well as improving the overall effectiveness of our services.

The community represents the most natural place for the various sectors to engage with one another, where public and private interests intersect, and where long term strategies of healthy human development are likely to have the greatest degree of success.

Michaelski cited in Cavanagh 2002

A legacy of change for sustainable futures Creating Capable Communities has been evolving since 1998.

The stories told by the residents who participated in Creating Capable Communities confirm the benefits that have been gained though this community based innovation; describing how it has contributed to significant shifts in the lives of individual children and their families, and to a growing sense of community connectedness and ownership.

These stories of growth and achievement have also been confirmed by qualitative data which was gained through action research and evaluation.

To inform further review and planning, feedback from parents was gathered in 2003 by Family Life assisted by an Australian Institute of Family Studies Stronger Families and Communities project team.

The achievements identified by program participants included:

More than half indicating that they had been helped to pursue family or employment goals Increased involvement in wider community activities (57% ) A separate university research project has been conducted with parents who participated in Community Bubs.

The most significant outcome was that 100% of the children whose parents completed the pilot program remained safely in their care. In addition, parents who participated in Community Bubs reported a 90% success rate in terms of meeting the personal and social goals they had set for themselves.

Family Life also sought feedback from a range of stakeholders including project partners, members of the reference group and others who worked closely with residents such as the staff, volunteers and students.

They noted: An increased sense of community pride amongst the residents

Improvements in parenting and relationship skills (72%)

An increasing number of residents who were demonstrating leadership capacity

Improvements in children’s physical health and development language and communication skills (65%)

Improved social networks for families and children

Establishing informal support networks through their participation with Creating Capable Communities (70%)

A significant improvement in the health and wellbeing of residents, particularly children

Improvement in children’s social and emotional development (76%)

That residents were more effectively networked into local support systems and services

Increased self-confidence (92%)

This data, which confirms improvements in both the texture and context of life for these families, is powerful.

Equally powerful is data obtained from other sources, such a Neighbourhood Watch newsletter for the area that reported in September 2005 that “for the first time in fifteen years no crimes were committed on the estate during the two month period” suggesting that this is indeed now a safer environment in which children can come out to play.

The ultimate achievements however, for the residents have been: Embracing the joys and challenges of parenting and pride in their children A stronger sense of belonging and community A desire to give back: to become involved in a different capacity Jayne conveyed the sense of personal achievement shared by so many of the residents when she remarked that, “Because I have come such a long way in my own life now I also want to give something back”.

Family Life has been proud to be part of an initiative which has involved such close partnership with children, their families and the community.

We are also so grateful to the families who have inspired us with their stories and especially Carol who gathered the stories for us to share. Her own story speaks to all members of the community about the talents and capabilities amongst us which only need the support, opportunities and encouragement to surface and thrive.

We are committed to taking this learning and experience forward as we continue to respond to the challenges and complexities which families face today.

We are certain that the residents who participated in this program will continue to direct their own future and influence others along the way. This has confirmed for those who have been a part of Creating Capable Communities, that bringing people and families together in a ground up community initiative has significant and measurable benefits, not only for the wellbeing of those particular families, but also for the overall health and wellbeing of the neighbourhoods and broader communities in which we all live.

Let’s continue to work together and become even more capable as a community caring for families, children and youth.

Jo Cavanagh Chief Executive Family Life

Carol

I was suffering from clinical depression and had basically cut myself off from the outside world.

Family Life had been letter boxing residents in the local area with pamphlets and flyers telling people about some of the services they were running such as the Homework Club and the Breakfast Club. At that stage though, I had not really been interested, because the information seemed to be about services for children, and both my children were grown and living away from home.

A turning point came for me however, after I participated in the Citizens’ Panel (a joint venture through the Brotherhood of St. Laurence and the Office of Housing). I enjoyed the chance to share my experiences and ideas, to feel that my opinions were valued and that I had been able to make a contribution. This gave me a new slant on my life. I realised that I had no excuses for keeping myself locked behind closed doors – I had time on my hands and an idle pair of hands. And so I decided to get more involved in community activity, offering to help out in any way that I could at Family Life.

I was asked to lend a hand with the Homework Club where kids who are living on one of the local housing estates can get one-on-one support with their homework after school.

The Club is run by a couple of staff from Family Life and a regular group of volunteers. I was quite nervous about helping out for the first time, but Marilyn and Giovanna made me feel so welcome that I relaxed and thoroughly enjoyed myself. This then led to me helping out in the Breakfast Club and then going to some of the Coffee and Chat mornings which were set up to meet up with others from the neighbourhood and to get to know each other better.

Occasionally I drop into the Keith Street Community House where I get a further chance to mix with others; to hear their stories. I am in awe of the wonderful young men and women there who are so courageously turning their lives around.

My involvement with Creating Capable Communities came about at a very low point in my life but once I began to help out at Family Life and then to attend some of the activities and events, I found that my life was really beginning to open up. I was meeting new people, making friends and slowly regaining my sense of worth and self confidence. In 2005, I was fortunate to be nominated for the Frances Pennington Award, and I won a Special Commendation for my contribution to the community. Since then, my life has improved in leaps and bounds.

I re-entered the workforce in 2005, working with the Brotherhood of St. Laurence.

Now I look forward to the future with a new sense of hope and purpose.

Acknowledgements

There are so many thoughtful committed citizens who contribute to changing the lives and local world of the families and children we are privileged to meet and work with, through Family Life.

In addition to the individuals who represent many others from their community by sharing their inspirational stories in these pages, there are numerous residents, volunteers and community supporters who give time, expertise and resources to help others. There are so many it is impossible to name you all, but you know everyone is deeply grateful for your contributions. I know you will also share with me in wanting to acknowledge and give particular thanks to some key people; those who first ventured forth to turn knowledge into action and those who came after to keep building and evolving Creating Capable Communities and associated programs.

To the first team of Dilek, Kate and Lucinda, thank you for having listened to the children and implementing Creating Capable Kids. The wonderful relationships and stories of change you were able to empower encouraged the next step and our bold application to the Australian Government for funding.

Paula Westhead was persistent and determined in her work with the Reference Group and volunteers in forging new connections and relationships with residents to begin Creating Capable Communities.

Enrolled by the gentle ‘friend to everyone’ Marilyn Ellis, and enthusiastic ‘make it happen’ Giovanna Chaucer, staff from across the agency supported (and continue to support) clubs, BBQs, activities and community days when ever extra help is needed.

The focus and expertise Alison Normanton brought to leading the expanding program was most timely, ensuring documentation, review and planning to keep us on track and growing impact. Tina Rowley, as the Community Bubs worker made sure parents could overcome their fears, join in groups and become part of their local community.

Roz Wolstoncroft as Volunteer Co-ordinator has given her creative talents whilst enrolling a consistent team of wonderful volunteers like Lou Baulsom, Chris Jackson, Pam Vincent, Rowena Arnhold and Despina Counsel who give endless hours of community caring to families, children and young people.

We have been blessed with generous and consistent support from local businesses and service clubs who receive individual certificates and letters of appreciation from children, parents and the agency. The least recognised contributors are the partners and families of Family Life staff. They often find themselves helping out at events and activities, joining in when we need them.

Thank you one and all for your support.

As our small group of thoughtful concerned citizens continues to grow over time, with residents running Creating Capable Communities programs and activities, and local leadership strengthens, we know the next chapter in this story led by the families will be even more powerful.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing that ever has. Margaret Mead

A journey from Isolation to friendships Fear to safety Listening to action Hoping to happening.

With grateful thanks

For supporting the publication of our story.

The Stronger Families and Communities, Local Answers Program.

For seven years of financial support to build on our evidence based practice for national dissemination.

Southern Family Life Service Association Inc. ABN 37 712 782 209

197 Bluff Road, Sandringham Victoria Australia 3191 Phone: +61 3 9598 2133 Fax: +61 3 9598 8820 Email: info@familylife.com.au

www.familylife.com.au