United Way Glenelg Summer 2014 newsletter

Summer 2014

www.unitedwayglenelg.com.au

Welcome to the summer 2014 edition of Giving in Glenelg. Read on to find out about the ways in which we have worked to improve the health, education and income of people in the Glenelg Shire over the past year and find out how you can join us in the year ahead.

ReadLearnSucceed Succeeds Indeed

Lewis Family Legacy Lives On

The legacy of the Lewis family will live on through United Way Glenelg’s brand new Lewis Court Fund which will open for applications for the first time in 2014.

Following the sale of the iconic Portland aged care facility $1 million was allocated to United Way Glenelg.

This capital sum has now been invested and earnings will be used each year to fund projects aimed at supporting projects and activities that directly benefit senior citizens in the Glenelg region.

United Way Glenelg’s Nicole Reefman said the Fund respected the intentions of the Lewis family who originally donated the land for Lewis Court by continuing to support Glenelg senior citizen’s.

“The fund will grow with the community as each year the original amount plus CPI is reinvested,” Ms Reefman said .

“UWG believes education, income and health are the building blocks of a good life and this will continue to be the focus of the Lewis Court Fund, with the difference being that funds will be directed solely to projects aimed at older residents in our shire.”

Portland Aluminium Production Manager Peter Chellis shares a story with a young friend Applications for the first round of the United Way Glenelg’s Nicole Reefman is thrilled with the response to the initiative. Lewis Court Fund will be invited in “We are just overwhelmed by the uptake,” Mrs Reefman said. “Statistics show that August 2014. If you or anyone you know has a potential project that before entering primary school 15.1 percent of children in the Glenelg Shire are may be eligible for the fund you are developmentally vulnerable or at risk when it comes to literacy – this means that the vast majority of children are starting school well behind where they should be. invited to contact Nicole Reefman at mail@unitedwayglenelg.com.au to “It is hoped that ReadLearnSucceed will be part of the solution to improving literdiscuss making an application. acy levels before local children even enter the education system.”

The success of the program means that unfortunately UWG have had to put a hold on processing the sign up forms for now until further funding is sourced. However Apply anyone can support the program through United Way’s workplace giving by pledging just $6.00 a month. Donations are tax deductible.If you or anyone you know is Augu in st ! interested in signing up to the ReadLearnSucceed program and/or donating to the program please contact Nicole Reefman on 0410 513 305 or email mail@unitedwayglenelg.com.au Children in the Glenelg Shire are now getting a head start in early literacy thanks to United Way Glenelg’s hugely successful new program launched this year, ReadLearnSucceed.

A partnership between UWG and Portland Aluminium the program aims to encourage a love of books and to emphasise the importance of reading to children from birth in order to prepare children for school and instill a lifelong love of learning.

Children subscribed to the program will receive one free Penguin classic delivered direct to their mailbox every month from birth so that by the time they start school they will have a personal library of 60 books. Parents will also receive supporting material to ensure they get the most out of reading with their children.

The program has been so well supported that it is currently fully subscribed with over 250 children registered.

Long Term Donors encourage others to donate Chances are if you’ve heard of a United Way Glenelg Program it’s been funded by our innovative Workplace Giving Program which allows you to give directly to UWG via payroll.

It’s proven to be a simple but effective way for local people to support local projects and 1000 Glenelg Shire residents now assist UWG this way.

Portland District Health has been a long-term supporter of the program, and boasts a number of long term donors including Sue Johnson and Kym Cook, Drug and Alcohol Clinicians at the Glenelg and Southern Grampians Drug Treatment Service who have both been contributing for almost a decade.

Sue said that as a worker in the welfare system she had seen first -hand the importance of supporting local programs and services aimed at addressing disadvantage.

Kym valued the opportunity to take part in funding allocation panels and the fact that all funding remains in the Glenelg Shire.

Both women encouraged others to consider donating through the program.

“Know that the money you’re giving goes straight back to the local community,” said Kym. Portland District Health Drug and Alcohol Clinician Kym Cook has been donating to United Way Glenelg for almost a “Give through your payroll – it’s just so easy,” added Sue. decade

New Board members bring knowledge and experience United Way Glenelg is pleased to welcome three new members to our board, adding a wealth of knowledge and experience to the team alongside incoming chair Marg Millard. The new appointees are; Deb Saunders – Artist, educator and Project Director of the South West Alternative Medium Project (SWAMP). Deb works tirelessly to deliver opportunities for long term unemployed and marginalised indigenous and non-indigenous adults to become engaged in a learning activity which enhances their social and personal development.

Gail Barrett – Director of Seaview Real Estate with enormous experience in small business management Gail has also provided years of service to the community through her involvement in a wide range of community groups. These include the Rotary Club of Portland Bay, Portland Women’s Service Group, Lewis Court Aged Care Board and the Portland Tourist Association.

Peter Hayman – Portland Aluminium Project Officer, Peter has been a long-time contributor to UWG and is heavily involved in the Portland community through volunteering efforts with a range of community, education and sporting groups.

United Way Glenelg’s Nicole Reefman welcomed new chair Marg and the new board appointees.

“Marg, Deb, Gail and Peter all possess strong expertise and proven leadership in their respective fields which will greatly enhance the board's efforts in shaping UWG,” Ms Reefman said.

“We look forward to the important new perspectives they will bring to help us deliver the building blocks of a better life; h ealth, education and income to more people in the Glenelg Shire.”

If you’re interested in applying to be a member of the UWG board please email Nicole at mail@unitedwayglenelg.com.au

ur o t e e M rd a o b t newes ers memb

Share your skills !

Gail Barrett

Deb Saunders

In-Kind Support Crucial to United Way Glenelg One of the promises made by United Way Glenelg is that 100% of money donated via workplace giving is returned straight to the local community to support programs that address identified needs.

To allow us to do this we are extremely lucky to have a range of community partners who provide us with much needed in-kind support in their area of expertise.

One of these long term partners is Brewster Walsh who provides accounting and business advisory services. We sat down with Brewster Walsh partner Marcus Walsh to discuss why he chose to support UWG in this way.

How long have you been providing in-kind support to UWG? Our business has been supporting UWG this way since 2005 when we were Longney and Associates and then WHK Accounting. When we founded Brewster Walsh in 2010 it was a natural progression to continue to offer this support to United Way Glenelg as I had seen over the years the impact of the work they do.

What interested you most in supporting UWG? I really appreciate that UWG focuses on local issues on our own doorstep, addressing those vital building blocks essential for a good life; education, income and health. Nobody understand the needs of the community better than the community itself and government funding isn’t always available or easy to access which is where community organisations like UWG are vital. At Brewster Walsh we really value what UWG do and were keen to lend support anyway we could.

What do you tell others about UWG? I always emphasise that United Way Glenelg has no political or religious affiliation and that all the money donated remains in the local area. I also explain that due to in-kind support from businesses including ourselves the administration costs and overheads are low, resulting in more money reaching those who need it.

What first hand benefits have you seen from supporting UWG? The other partner in the business, Dean Brewster took part in the funding allocation panel and was quite overwhelmed by the level of need in the shire – he mentioned that allocating funds was a real challenge as all the programs were really worthy.

Personally we’ve signed up our 14 month old daughter Olivia to the Read Learn Succeed program. She will receive a book a month until she is 5 and is already showing a real interest, turning the pages and enjoying the stories. It’s so vital all children are encouraged to read to assist with their development and later success in life.

How would you encourage other businesses to go about providing in-kind support?

I’d say that everyone has expertise to share and everyone can help in some way. You could join a board, take part in fundraising efforts or volunteer in a huge number of ways. Just jump in and do it!

Dona te If your business could provide in-kind support to United Way Glenelg we’d love to hear from you!

N ow !

To talk about what you can offer please contact Nicole Reefman at mail@unitedwayglenelg.com.au

THANK YOU! United Way Glenelg would like to thank all our generous in-kind community partners for their support in 2013. We look forward to working with you long into the future to continue improving the health, education and income of people in the Glenelg Shire.

Brewster Walsh Committee for Portland Powerhouse Productions Quest Apartments

Pacific Hydro Portland Aluminium Portland Observer Portland Primary School

Keppel Prince Davis Print Orchard RiseStudios PSC Glenelg Campus

Glenelg Shire OzChild Port of Portland 3RPC

Allocation of Funds 2013 Health Portland District Health Positive Body Image Challenge and Good Mood Group Complementary programs that will involve a combination of games, activities, discussions and presentations aimed at addressing high rates of depression anxiety, poor body image and low self- esteem amongst young people.

Portland District Health Acute Ward Computer Trolley Roll Out PDH’s 29 bed acute ward is transitioning to electronic management of medication and clinical notes. This funding will purchas e a computer trolley that will allow computers to be mobile and available in patient care areas, improving patient safety and com munication between clinicians and across organisations.

Blair St House Recreational Activities Bike Purchase of bicycles for use by residents at Blair St House. There are 7 residents aged between 32 – 56 with a range of abilities and these bikes will provide the opportunity to enjoy recreational bike riding, build skills and participate in active transport.

Heywood Bowling Club Heywood Bowling Club Defibrillator Purchase of defibrillator to be available in the event of an emergency. A vital piece of equipment for the club with a high p ercentage of members over the age of 65 Heywood and District Secondary College Exersite Program Construction of 12 exercise stations to be available to students and the wider community to encourage increased health and fi tness.

Will be implemented in conjunction with a school wide nutrition program.

Education YMCA Portland North Portland Community Engagement Project “Big Brother, Big Sister” Part of an 18 month community resilience project to improve the liveability of the Portland North area. The Portland YMCA wil l coordinate and deliver the “Big Brother Big Sister”mentoring program which targets young people between the ages of 7 – 25 years who would benefit from an adult role model and supportive friend in their lives. Up to 5 young people will be supported in the fi rst 12 months and mentors will have opportunities to develop their own leadership skills, with mentees taking on the role of mentor in the future.

Portland Toy Library Event Packs Purchase of toys to create party packs to be available for childrens birthday parties free of charge for Portland Toy Library members.“ Glenelg and Southern Grampians Drug Treatment Service Year Seven Transition Program Interactive workshops and electronic media aimed at supporting students to build resilience as they commence the transition through adolescence, particularly between the ages of 12-14 years

Find more on our Facebook page!

2014 is shaping up to be another busy year for UWG. Read on to find out just some of the exciting things we have planned and will get involved in across the Glenelg Shire.

2014 Calendar of Events Feb – Wood, Wine and Roses Festival Mar – Rotary Literacy Month April—AGM May – Administration Professional’s Breakfast Jun – Casterton Kelpie Festival

Aug – Book Week, Community Fund and Lewis Court Fund open for applications Sep—World Literacy Day Oct – UWG Volunteer Allocations panel meets Dec – Santas on the Run fun run