2015-16 - YWCA Darwin, Northern Territory · YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16 3 About YWCA ... nights of accommodation and case management to 259 ... losses and commissioned a feasibility

YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16 1

annual report

2015-16

2 YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-162 YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16


About YWCA Darwin 4

Vision, Purpose and Strategy 5

President’s Report 6

Chief Executive Officer’s Report 7

Treasurer’s Report 9

Financials 10-11

Pictures of Board Members 12

Increasing Brand Presence 14-15

Events 16

Social Enterprises 17

Medical Accommodation Program 18

Domestic and Family Violence Centre 19

Parenting Support Program 20-21

Women of Worth 22-23

Youth Transitional Housing 24

CASY House 25

Youth Housing Options and Pathways Program 26

Youth Diversion Program 27

Encore 28

Merger Project 29

Looking Forward 30

Acknowledgements 31

Front cover photo courtesy of Michelle Hynes.

COnTEnTS


4 YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16

YWCA Darwin has expertise in providing community services to young people, women and families including domestic and family violence programs, youth diversion, youth transitional housing, youth crisis accommodation, women’s prison programs, medical accommodation, young parent support programs and has two social enterprises.

the YWCA is a local, national and international membership organisation. YWCA Darwin is an independent incorporated organisation with membership to YWCA Australia. through this membership we are connected to World YWCA.

Vision for Society: empowered individuals, women and families in a safe and inclusive community.

Vision for YWCA Darwin: Growing our capacity to do more.

Purpose: We share the aim of the World YWCA to use women’s leadership to deliver safe and sustainable services and promote justice, peace, health, human dignity, freedom and care for the environment.

Strategy: using corporate lines for social outcomes.

ABOuT YWCA DARWIn

YWCA Darwin is a non-religious organisation that achieves positive change by providing advocacy, programs and services for women, families and young people in Darwin. operating within a feminist and social justice framework, YWCA Darwin’s vision is for: Empowered individuals, women and families in a safe and inclusive community.


YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16 5YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16 5

It is with pleasure that I introduce the 2015-16 Annual Report for the YWCA Darwin. Reflecting back on the year and reviewing the achievements of all of our programs, I am struck foremost by the absolute relevance and importance of what the YWCA Darwin is doing in our community. particularly in the areas of domestic and family violence, youth support, young mothers and women in the justice system.

PRESIDEnT’S REPORT

Recently released statistics by the Nt police Commissioner on domestic violence indicate that the territory’s rate of domestic violence is four times higher than the rest of the country and that in the Northern territory at least one child is subject to domestic violence every day. YWCA Darwin provides direct support and services to people that are impacted by domestic violence through its Domestic and Family Violence Centre (DFVC). During the year this included the provision of 7,503 nights of accommodation and case management to 259 clients, including children. We also work with the community to raise awareness around the issue and collaborate with like-minded organisations, in 2015 this included supporting White Ribbon Day.

the youth are our future, and the Northern territory has one of Australia’s youngest populations, particularly our Indigenous population, where 38% are less than 15 years old. our various programs that support young people, including young mothers and their children provide essential support services that can help our clients break negative cycles and improve their lives and future prospects.

And while we are talking about breaking negative cycles, it is so pleasing to see the success that our Women of Worth program is having. providing pre and post release support to incarcerated women has resulted in less than 10% of our clients reoffending. the benefits of this to the lives of these women and their families are life changing, but it also represents a real socio-economic benefit to society as well.

YWCA Darwin wants to increase its capacity to do more. We want to become a powerful force for gender equality, and be even more relevant to young women and our community, and have our work improve life outcomes for more people.

to do this we need to be sustainable, this encompasses many things including having a strong and relevant voice, a successful and measurable impact, and principally being economically secure with diverse and growing funding sources.

Sustainability has been a key focus area for the board for 2015-16. this focus has centred around three main areas: Banyan View lodge (BVl); the National Merger project; and the successful operation of the business.

BVl, our budget accommodation facility, is an asset that had lost its relevance in the market and become loss making. During the year, the board chose to close the facility to reduce the losses and commissioned a feasibility study (which is yet to be finalised) to assess options for the potential redevelopment of the Banyan View lodge into a facility that can contribute to our ongoing sustainability.

the National Merger project, which commenced as the ‘national sustainability initiative’ is focussed on bringing all YWCA associations together in a way which would ensure a strong, successful and sustainable future – working towards achieving gender equality through women’s leadership, safety and empowerment. YWCA Darwin has been actively participating in the discussions for the Merger project both at a governance and operational level, contributing in a positive way to ensure among other things that the voice of the young women, territorians, remote Australia and Indigenous Australians is heard. the potential of such an organisation is exciting and powerful, and while around the Member Associations there is much alignment around the purpose and the need for change, there is robust discussion around risks, benefits and the structure.



With respect to day-to-day operations, YWCA Darwin has had a great year, it increased its revenue and successfully and efficiently delivered a range of services and programs. At the same time we have increased our advocacy and brand presence and relaunched our social enterprise – Food for Futures. our new Chief executive officer – Jessica Watkinson has led the successful year, she has brought to the role strong leadership, openness and enormous energy. A strong and committed operational management team has supported Jessica throughout the year. And the staff of YWCA Darwin has once again demonstrated their commitment to the organisation and delivery to our clients. the board extends its sincere thanks and appreciation to the passionate and amazing team of YWCA Darwin, including the Chief executive officer, operational management team and all of the dedicated staff. We also extend our thanks to all of our members and supporters, funding bodies and donors.

It has been a big year for the board with a workload that has expanded in response to strategic priorities and I thank all of my fellow directors for how they have embraced their roles, their hard work and generous donation of time and expertise. I would like to acknowledge in particular the outstanding leadership and governance support that Annie McCall has provided both through her current directorship and chairing of the Audit Risk and Governance Committee and also in her previous terms as president. Annie has indicated she will not be nominating for board re-election but will remain as a stalwart supporter of the YWCA Darwin.

I would also like to acknowledge: larnie Batten, who once again served us proudly as our National Representative; Frieda evans, who stepped up into the important role of treasurer; and the valuable contributions of lidia De lembo, Kaitlyn Goodger, Sheila White, Gayathiri Jambulingam and Aditi Srinivas (before she left to channel her efforts in to the important advocacy for the Ru486 abortion pill). I would also like to thank the volunteer members of the BVl Advisory Committee for their valuable expertise.

It has been a pleasure to serve on the board of the YWCA Darwin. I am excited and inspired by the current work of the YWCA Darwin, which is so very relevant and important, and also the future potential of the organisation. 2016-17 is set to be a transformational year, I look forward to seeing how the YWCA Darwin expands its impact and improves its sustainability.

Tara Halliday President


CHIEF ExECuTIVE OFFICER’S REPORT


this year saw many changes made – we moved to the new logo used by most of the other YWCA associations around Australia, we held an unprecedented amount of events and we made a significant focus on ensuring the Darwin community know who we are and what we do.

In July 2015 we commenced the Women of Worth program, supporting women through their journey within the justice system, to re-engage with the community and to reduce reoffending.

In November 2015, we had a strong contingent of 8 staff and 5 Board members travel to Melbourne for the YWCA Australia convention. At this convention there was a focus on identifying who we were as an organisation and what our shared purpose is. It was agreed whole heartedly that our purpose was achieving gender equality through women’s leadership, safety and empowerment. With this shared purpose in mind, the concept of a possible merger between all current Member Associations was investigated. throughout the 2015-16 year, leaders from YWCA’s around Australia have been meeting regularly to work through the many details, benefits and risks of a national merger and how this might be achieved for the benefit of all involved. this work is continuing and the process is being regularly updated to members.

In December we made the decision to close Banyan View lodge as a budget accommodation facility. Due to a significant decline in tourist numbers, and the age and suitability of the building, it has been running at a loss for the past few years. the Board made the decision to close the facility to reduce the loss, and also decided to undertake feasibility studies to determine how to best utilise the land for the long term sustainability of the organisation.

At our 2015 Annual General Meeting we launched the new logo that we had adopted. the logo is being used by nearly all YWCA member associations around Australia and allows us to show that we are an organisation working together for our shared purpose. In March we engaged a Marketing and Social enterprise Coordinator to promote the organisation. Since then we have had a significant focus on making sure that the organisations work is being recognised around Darwin, through events, social media, new brochures and building up our social enterprises.

YWCA Darwin staff are so passionate about what they do and the people they do it for - our successes would not be possible without the ongoing hard work and dedication of the amazing team of staff members.

the Board of Directors have been very committed in their roles. the amount of volunteer hours these women give us is incredible and we would not be in the position we are today without their dedication and hard work.

I am looking forward to 2016-2017 and the amazing challenges, exciting adventures and growth we are sure to see.

Jessica Watkinson Chief Executive Officer

What an amazing year we have had! 2015-16 was my first year with YWCA Darwin and it is with great pride that I am able to present this report highlighting the achievements of our wonderful staff, volunteers and clients.


overall we ended the year with a deficit of $102,238 which includes the loss from Banyan View lodge, an approved expense to ensure a significant presence of YWCA Darwin at the National Convention and costs incurred to investigate future uses of Banyan View lodge.

You will see in the last financial report that assessing the financial viability of Banyan View lodge was to be a significant focus of the YWCA Darwin Board.

the decision was made to close the facility which reduced the overall loss that would have occurred. the process to investigate the best purpose for the facility moving forward will not be quick, and we are likely to see similar costs in the 2016-17 financial year. there will also be a substantial focus on the merger project in the coming year, ensuring that we remain involved throughout the investigation, planning and possible implementation phases.

this financial year saw the commencement of the parenting Support program funded by the Department of the Chief Minister and the Women of Worth program funded by the tim Fairfax Family Foundation, further supporting our work with women in the Darwin area.

I would like to say thank you to the hard working employees of YWCA Darwin, both in the programs we deliver and in the corporate services area that support them. Without them this growth, change and continued high level of service would not be possible.

We are looking forward to the coming year, with a lot of work ahead around both the merger project and the investigations about Banyan View lodge.

Frieda Evans Treasurer

YWCA Darwin has undertaken a lot of change and growth during the 2015-16 year and, with the guidance of the operational Management team, have managed to grow even with unexpected increases in expenditure. the total income for the financial year was $5,253,453, an increase of $79,360 from the 2015 financial year.

TREASuRER’S REPORT



FInAnCIAL STATEMEnTS




PICTuRES OF BOARD MEMBERS


Tara HallidayPresident

Annie McCallDirector

Larnie Batten Director

Aditi Srinivas Director (Finished October 2015)

Gayathiri Jambulingam Director (Finished April 2016)

Sheila Anne White Director

Frieda EvansTreasurer

Lidia Di LemboDirector

Kaitlyn GoodgerDirector


YWCA provided 29,985 bed nights to 2,798 clients.


It’s been an exciting year for YWCA Darwin. We have been solidifying our brand presence as an organisation with expertise in various critical issues, including providing community services to young people, women and families through domestic and family violence programs, youth diversion, youth transitional housing, youth crisis accommodation, women’s prison programs, medical accommodation, young parent support programs and with two social enterprises.

InCREASInG BRAnD PRESEnCE

one of the major barriers in increasing our brand identity has been that a large part of our target audience don’t realise the scale of work that the organisation is doing, and don’t relate some programs to the organisation as a whole.

this has been addressed this year in a number of ways:

• Rebranding. one of the major marketing changes that the organisation has been undergoing over the past year is being part of the national rebranding effort of YWCA Australia. With the Brand policy Guide created by YWCA Australia serving as an internal brand template and guide for what the organisation stands for and aims to do, this rebranding process has helped to streamline YWCA Darwin’s programs and services into becoming one cohesive identity.

• Promotional material. YWCA Darwin has printed and distributed promotional materials such as brochures, business cards, pull-up banners, pens and key rings to the community, organisations and at various networking events.

• Staff uniforms. All staff have the choice to wear the YWCA Darwin uniforms. this further helps to market the organisation.

• Social media. online platforms are crucial in terms of marketing an organisation. In this way, the organisation is able to spread its message far and wide, and utilising social media, engage with its’ followers. our Facebook account has reached 387 ‘likes’ at the end of this year, showing that the organisation is actively engaging with its audience, and ensuring that our voice is heard.


• Events. events that are interesting and relevant draw a crowd. this was proven when YWCA Darwin hosted a fundraising night at the Deckchair Cinema and the first ‘tINAtalks’ session. events give the organisation a chance to share information about the very important work that it does, and provide the opportunity to recruit for membership and ‘Friends of the Y’ list. the organisations’ presence at events organised by other groups/organisations such as the NtpFeS open Day has also proven to be a great opportunity to create and boost brand awareness.

• Traditional media. YWCA Darwin has also utilised traditional media to enhance brand presence. Ceo Jessica has been interviewed on ABC Radio about the tINAtalks session, and has also recently appeared on tV (with Board member larnie Batten) in a segment promoting YWCA

Darwin’s involvement in the Nappy Collective. While these avenues were not actively sought out by the organisation, the exposure has definitely increased brand presence.

• Developing partnerships with other organisations.YWCA Darwin has a formal partnership arrangement with YouthWorx Nt, and has always worked well with other organisations. Connecting with these organisations has ensured the most traditional form of marketing – word-of-mouth.

there will be a continued focus on increasing our brand presence in the next financial year, looking at ways to get more people involved and providing opportunities for events that promote our shared purpose of achieving gender equality through women’s leadership, safety and empowerment.

YWCA Darwin clients were made up of 42% Indigenous, 8% Culturally and linguistically Diverse and 50% Anglo-Australian.


EVEnTS

Launch of the Parenting Programon 19 August, the Department of Chief Minister launched their funding of the parenting Support program. the event was held at Barbara James House, and officially announced by the Chief Minister and had a great representation by young mothers and their families and even made the Nine news!

Deckchair Cinema – Whip Iton 29 october 2015, YWCA Darwin held its first Deckchair Cinema fundraiser. We chose the film “Whip It,” as it was an example of girl power! We believed showcasing a film like this encourages young women to strive for their dreams and realise they can achieve what they set their mind to. Special thank you to the Darwin Roller Derby team, who donated their time to support and attend this event.

Y nationalYWCA Darwin had a large presence at Convention in November 2015, (one of the largest!) and it was a great event to develop relationships and to ensure we are fully a part of the Sustainability project. At the Convention, the attendees agreed on a shared purpose of achieving gender equality through women’s leadership, safety and empowerment. the three areas that all member organisations agreed to work on to develop a national approach were She Speaks Survey, Respectful Relationships and Housing.

TInAtalks*

A successful tINAtalks event was held on thursday 7 April, which was sold out. office of Women’s policy provided funding towards the event which was titled “What Would You tell Your Former Self?”. the fabulous speakers we had at the event made it a very enjoyable, inspiring and very humorous evening. YWCA Darwin are looking to run a series of tINAtalks ongoing, with a range of topics related to women’s empowerment.

Food for Futures RelaunchFood for Futures was officially relaunched on 27 April 2016, with a showcase of our most popular food items, and an interactive “Garnishing Made easy” session with our chef. the relaunch also officially unveiled Food for Futures’ new menu, which has proved very popular.

* Title used with permission from YWCA Victoria.


SOCIAL EnTERPRISES

Food for Futures

our conference and catering facility social enterprise Food for Futures has being gaining a lot of ground this year. there has been a significant increase in our external bookings and caterings, which have included morning and afternoon teas, lunches, finger food, and also our ever-popular platters and packages. We have hosted various trainings and conferences as well as luncheons and forums.

As a social enterprise, Food for Futures strives to deliver quality food and service in a great environment. We have also been able to provide employment to long-term unemployed and Sentenced to a Job participants this year, cementing our position as a social enterprise with a significant social impact. Food for Futures was officially relaunched on 27 April 2016, with updated prices which still remain very competitive, and our new banner.

Shine for Futures

Shine for Futures is our laundry and cleaning social enterprise, and currently provides all laundry and cleaning services for YWCA programs, including Corporate Services.

YWCA Darwin has also partnered with Henbury School, a special school for high school aged students with intellectual disabilities, to provide ongoing work experience once a week for two students at a time. Shine for Futures social enterprise and the Medical Accommodation program collaborated on this partnership, helping to build up these students’ skills and allowing them future employment opportunities, not just within the YWCA, but other organisations as well.

While Shine for Futures is still mostly internal, a short-term laundry contract with YMCA gave us the opportunity to begin working with external stakeholders. the aim is to explore and pursue external expansion in the next year.

*YWCA Darwin is grateful to the Department of Health for the continued use of the commercial kitchen and laundry at Barbara James House.

YWCA Darwin currently runs two For Futures social enterprises:• Food For Futures, which offers full catering and conferencing facilities.• Shine for Futures, which offers laundry and housekeeping services.operating out of Barbara James House, both services are able to support YWCA Darwin’s diverse range of programs. profits made through the social enterprises are able to be utilised to support programs, members and clients.

http://www.ywcaofdarwin.com.au/pages/programs/food-for-futures

http://www.ywcaofdarwin.com.au/pages/programs/shine-for-futures


Barbara James House (BJH)there are 27 rooms available to guests and approved carers to stay whilst receiving medical treatments. Guests receive three meals a day from the commercial kitchen in BJH.

the Kitchen Herb garden at BJH is flourishing under the care of the team, and has produced many seasonal herbs. Recently the team has grown some Bok Choy, which was a great side dish for the guests.

the Serenity Garden and its water feature remains ever popular with the guests and staff alike, offering a quiet and relaxed atmosphere.

A generous donation was received from our guest Veronica edwards, with a specific request that the money go towards some more shelving for the Movie Room. Matthew Norris from Norris Building & Construction kindly donated his labour to build and install two large sets of shelving.

A mini makeover has taken place in the Conference Room with the sewing and installation of new curtains to the far end of the room creating a little more intimacy in the room. the team of seamstresses at Barbara James House pitched in to make the curtains, and they look fantastic.

Barbara James House Housekeeping team have also been working with Henbury School and providing some great work experience and training to some of the students.

Dr Helen Phillipps Cottages the six houses located in the suburbs nearest the Royal Darwin Hospital provide a total of 17 rooms for guests and carers approved by pAtS for stays while receiving medical treatment. the Doctor Helen phillipps Cottages provide a home away from home for guests whilst staying in Darwin. YWCA Darwin are working with the Department of Health to provide further services to the properties, including the provision of meals.

the Medical Accommodation program (MAp) offers accommodation for approved patients and their carers through the patient Assisted travel Scheme (pAtS) who are receiving medical treatment in Darwin. this year, accommodation was provided for 1,683 people from remote and regional areas of the Northern territory with a total of 9,738 bed nights.

MEDICAL ACCOMMODATIOn PROGRAM

provided a total of 9,738 bed nights to 1,683 clients.



DFVC has been actively engaging with key stakeholders in domestic violence, enabling DFVC to deliver proficient and integrated client services and partner with the community to raise awareness about domestic violence issues. With this partnership, DFVC has been highly regarded for its professionalism and high level of expertise in the domestic violence sector.

With the commitment and participation to the Family Safety Framework since May 2015, DFVC has significantly improved the outcomes for individuals who needed domestic violence support this year. DFVC’s integrated approach and flexibility to access other stakeholders, resources and expertise in family and domestic violence has made the responses to victims quicker, more coordinated and relevant for clients’ high level complex needs.

YWCA also recognises the need to ensure that clients have access to basic needs, especially when they are in crisis. DFVC has a number of personal and comfort items so that the clients can be comfortable and preserve their self-respect. the following were provided to our clients throughout the year:

• 18 entry packs, comprising of basic meal items

• 22 Buddy Bags, comprising of a soft toy, pyjamas, basic toiletries and other comfort items*.

• 8 exit packs, comprising a range of daily basics (linen, pots, cutlery, crockery, etc.) which reduce the financial burden of setting up a house.

our Case Workers work closely with clients to build strong relationships and effective case management plans, supporting them in achieving independence:

• Safe House Accommodation

• Domestic and Family Violence Safety planning

• Family law issues relating to parenting orders

• Centrelink payments

• Housing allocation

• Gambling support

• Financial assistance

• School enrolment

• Access to education and training options available through a Job Network provider

• Access to other emergency Relief Funding agencies

• Advocacy and support to access furniture and white goods for a new tenancy

* We are delighted with our continued partnership with the Alannah and Madeline Foundation for these provisions.


YWCA Darwin’s Domestic and Family Violence Centre (DFVC) offers assistance to families in the Darwin region who are escaping domestic and family violence, aiming to resolve complex issues and respond to the individual needs of these clients and their families. DFVC also assists families with male children aged over 14 and is the only service in Darwin which accommodates men with their children.

DOMESTIC AnD FAMILY VIOLEnCE CEnTRE

provided a total of 9,738 bed nights to 1,683 clients.

provided 7,503 nights of accommodation.

provided Case management to 259 clients (including children).

pSp has continued to strengthen its role in the community by providing specific services and support to young parents and their children, particularly young mothers under 25 in the Darwin and palmerston areas. these services and support aim to have a positive impact on their life outcomes by providing interventions and opportunities that ensure stronger parenting skills, connections to the community and access to education and employment pathways.

Bloom & SheirapSp’s Bloom and Sheira groups in palmerston and Darwin respectively, provide young parents with resources to borrow from the pSp library and a prepared play or art experience which they can then use at home to encourage continued positive interactions with children and family members. the play and art-based activities, healthy shared food and ‘yarning’ promotes peer interaction and positive relationships with children, other young parents and staff. YWCA Darwin was successful in securing the regular use of the palmerston Child and Family Centre (NtG) for palmerston groups and playgroup House (playgroup Association Nt) for Darwin groups. pSp continues to build and maintain partnerships to ensure young families are exposed to other community spaces and opportunities.

the program also provides individual case management support to young mothers: • Reconnection with children, family and

community;• Finding accommodation and supporting with

housing applications;• Domestic and Family Violence support;• education, training and employment pathways;• Health, nutrition and self-care programs; and• Budgeting and referral to specialised counselling.

Young Mothers are Strong MothersIn partnership with the Department of education, Department of Health, Batchelor Institute of Indigenous tertiary education (BIIte) and Child Australia, YWCA Darwin’s parenting Support program has also assisted 16 young mothers in the Young Mothers are Strong Mothers education program. 14 mothers are working towards obtaining a formal qualification in CHC20112 - Certificate II in Community Services. pSp provided these young mothers with emotional and logistical support as well as foundation skills, which in turn helped to develop their confidence while developing new skills.

2015-16 has been a great year for the parenting Support program, with 121 referrals to specialist services, and 15 mothers and 18 children supported through case management. Sixteen “Young Mothers are Strong Mothers” are supported on a weekly basis in the classroom and to attend outreach appointments.


YWCA Darwin has been providing services and support to young parents and their children for over 15 years. For this financial year, Department of Chief Minister’s have provided funding for the parenting Support program (pSp), which understands that pregnancy, birthing and growing strong children can give young mothers the power to activate and realise their full potential, while recognising the contribution young parents and their children make to our communities.

PAREnTInG SuPPORT PROGRAM


121 referrals to specialist services provided.

15 mothers and 18 children supported through case management.


the Women of Worth (WoW) program supports women aged 18 years and over who are in the care of the Justice System. It has been running since August 2015, assisting women incarcerated at Darwin Correctional Centre, released prisoners and women being supervised through Community Corrections. providing 6 months pre and post release support to women involved in the justice system, the program aims to support women to reengage with the community and to reduce reoffending.

WOMEn OF WORTH PROGRAM

WoW is funded by the tim Fairfax Family Foundation and provides a range of psycho-social education and accredited training programs to the women incarcerated at Darwin Correctional Centre two days per week:

• Accredited tuning in to Kids™ parenting program

• Accredited tuning in to teens™ parenting program

• Anger Management

• Alcohol and other Drugs intervention and relapse prevention programs

• employment skills

• Assertive communication skills

• Nutrition and wellbeing education sessions

WoW has been successful in supporting clients to regain custody of their children, accessing education and employment, obtaining long-term housing, and reducing recidivism rates. less than 10% of the Women of Worth clients have reoffended since commencement of the program. the program supported 47 clients, from a total of 96 referrals, ranging from 18 to 70 years of age.

Since WoW commenced in August 2015, the program has delivered 215 group sessions. the learning groups aim to empower participants to gain insight into harm reduction strategies, improve self-esteem and develop life skills to improve their overall quality of life. education sessions incorporate a variety of interactive delivery techniques and clients have been very responsive to the subjects delivered. the sessions include Anger Management, Self-esteem, Alcohol and other Drugs, employment Skills, Mental Health, Communication Skills, as well as various other sessions.

WoW has established a number of networks to assist in their delivery of the program and to ensure that clients are able to access services, programs, employment, and training opportunities. WoW has delivered 454 case management sessions, including face-to-face sessions as well as via phone and email. the program has also provided advocacy and referral support for clients on 219 occasions.

Client Feedback

“I love to come to the Women of Worth program. It helps me a lot when I’m falling apart and sad. Coming to the program makes me a better person. I feel strong”.

“I am happy doing this program because I like learning more about reading, listening, doing art and craft, and also understanding a lot more about culture and cooking. I want to change my life when I get out, finding a better way to live with my family, and sharing with them.”

“I’ve learnt a lot from this Program and I want to be a good mother when I come out. It’s changed my life.”


454 case management sessions delivered. provided advocacy and referral support on 219 occasions.

WOW client artwork

24 YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-1624 YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16

the Youth transitional Housing (YtH) program provides supported accommodation for young people experiencing homelessness. YWCA’s youth housing program encourages young people to grow and develop as individuals whilst learning valuable skills to be able to live independently. program staff have participated in strength based training and utilises this approach for case management of accommodated clients.

YOuTH TRAnSITIOnAL HOuSInG

the program continues to support a high number of young people and their children, including 76 clients and 38 children, who were assisted with accommodation and support. Nearly 60% of clients spent 26 weeks or more in our program accommodation with a total number of 7,983 bed nights.

there continues to be a significant trend of young mothers and single young women requesting support where domestic violence has been a contributing factor in their homelessness circumstances. In some of these cases, YtH now calls on the expertise of the YWCA Domestic and Family Violence Centre to provide specialist support and assessment resulting in these families being accommodated within the DFVC program. this effective cross service approach has resulted in positive wellbeing and safety outcomes for the clients involved, with the view of transferring back to the YtH independent living program once circumstances have resolved.

YtH continues to receive informal referrals from sources such as self, family, friends and/or community members. Formal external referrals to the program have increased suggesting an increasing awareness of the YtH program within these networks.

New unit allocations from the Department of Housing enabled a pathway for some of the transitional housing clients to secure sustainable long-term housing. With the private housing market pressures now on an easing trend and some growth in the social housing sector locally, it is anticipated that the program will be able to link young people with an expanded range of exit options over the coming year.

provided accommodation and support to 76 clients and 38 children.

provided more than 7,983 bed nights.


CASY’S dedicated staff provide 24-hour support to clients with education, employment, training, living skills, drug and alcohol support and assistance to resolve family issues. this year, seven young people achieved gainful employment whilst accommodated in CASY, and a further 18 were referred to medium term accommodation services (including internally to the Youth transitional Housing program). CASY also provides ongoing outreach support to young people following their exit from CASY.

CASY House worked hard this year to promote the service, including participating in the Youth Week “Couch Surfing” event which involved young people in the Darwin, palmerston and rural regions decorating couches in preparation to battle it out for the race of the year. Youth services and schools came together on the day for a fun, artistic and active celebration for youth, to promote the challenges facing young people who are at risk of or who are homeless and to provide information on services available to support these young people.

CASY house residents and staff decorated a couch that raced in this event, and a pop up stall was available to promote YWCA Darwin’s youth services.


CASY House is YWCA Darwin’s youth crisis accommodation program and is Darwin’s only youth refuge. CASY House provides support to young people aged 15-18 years of age, who are homeless or at immediate risk of homelessness.

CASY HOuSE

CASY House provided 1,984 nights of accommodation for 15-18 year olds.


the Youth Housing options and pathways program (YHopp) supports young people in the palmerston area through accommodation provision, case management and direct living skills support. the program continues to be funded by the Department of Housing through Anglicare Nt, and Anglicare and YWCA Darwin are key partners in the delivery of this program.

YOuTH HOuSInG OPTIOnS AnD PATHWAYS PROGRAM (YHOPP)

YHopp provides medium to long term accommodation options for young people aged 15 to 19 years who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Focusing on supporting young people in the palmerston area, YHopp works with other youth homelessness programs in order to be more responsive to this challenge. Aside from providing accommodation, the program also supports the young people by providing case management and direct living skills. this ensures that young people experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness have developed the skills needed when they transition out of the program and into more stable and secure living arrangements. YHopp provided a total of 2,777 bed nights, and 17 young people and 6 children were assisted through YHopp this year.

YWCA Darwin provided 20,247 bed nights to clients through CASY House and our Domestic and Family Violence and Youth transitional Housing programs.


YWCA Darwin’s Youth Diversion program (YDp) works with young people who have committed an offence, working closely with the Northern territory police in a restorative justice approach which allows young people the opportunity to recognise their actions, take responsibility and repair the harm they have caused to the victim, community, their family and themselves.

YOuTH DIVERSIOn PROGRAM

provided 252 referrals and case management and support to 176 clients.

Youth Diversion program clients undertake an assessment with their case worker and the Northern territory police and then undertake a victim and offender conference, or a family conference to talk about what happened and what is needed for everyone to move on. Clients then have weekly contact with their case worker, and undertake the conditions identified as part of the conference which can include community services, apology letters and counselling.

During this year, the YDp had a total of 252 referrals and provided case management and support to 176 clients. During this period a total of 67 Family offender conferences and 24 victim offender conferences took place.

Client Feedback on the best part about the Youth Diversion Program

“Making me realise my actions was wrong.”

“The confidence. Accepting responsibility for one’s action.”

“Every part, because it was a big help and support.”


encore is a free, gentle exercise program designed specifically for people who have undergone breast cancer surgery. It helps to rebuild flexibility and mobility whilst restoring self-confidence in a friendly, supportive environment.

encore has experienced another successful year for YWCA Darwin with a total of 11 ladies completing our programs and enjoying the evenings of fun, fitness, friendship and laughter.

In March this year, Kate Guthrey, Manager for NSW encore program provided training for four new encore Facilitators, who will join eileen Davis to provide the encore program to Darwin women.

YWCA Darwin appreciates the guest speakers who have been very generous with their time, coming to share their knowledge, which ranged from medical to friendship and answering questions from the participants.

EnCORE


this year YWCA’s in Australia have been engaged with a movement wide review of the structure of the organisation. the National Merger project goal is to identify the most effective and efficient business model for our movement, so that we can maximise our impact on the lives of women, girls and their families. underpinning this work is our shared purpose of achieving gender equality, a historic reorientation to our original goal as a movement.

the National Merger project also seeks to empower the Australian YWCA movement to better respond to trends affecting the viability of the community sector and secure our long-term viability and growth.

YWCA MERGER PROJECT


National Merger Project


looking into Banyan View lodge and the best option for YWCA Darwin into the future will take a significant amount of time and resources. the Board are focussed on ensuring that the decision they make will be one that provides long term sustainability to YWCA in Darwin.

YWCA Darwin will also be working closely with all other Member Associations on the National Merger project, ensuring that the voices of women in Darwin and throughout the Northern territory continue to be heard and responded to.

YWCA Darwin’s website will also be updated, making a site that is much easier to navigate and is keeping up with the times. this, along with the continued focus on increasing brand recognition, events and social media presence will ensure that more women in Darwin are able to engage with YWCA.

We are also excited to be moving offices in october 2016. the new office is fully accessible and will put Corporate Services in a more central location to the program offices.

How can I get involved with YWCA Darwin?

• Become a member

• Make a donation

• Sponsor a program

• Become a Friend of the YWCA

• Attend our events

• utilise our Social enterprises

• like us on Facebook (YWCA Darwin)

• Follow us on twitter (@ywca_darwin)

• Check out our website (www.ywcaofdarwin.com.au)

the next financial year will be a busy and exciting one! YWCA Darwin will see an increase in the ability to support young people through Youth transitional Housing with the successful increase in funding from Department of Housing to provide another Case Worker. existing programs will also continue to deliver the high quality, strength based services they currently do and we will be focussing on measuring the impact that our programs have on the wider community.

LOOKInG FORWARD


Alan Walker Cancer Care CentreAlannah and Madeline FoundationAll of our guest speakers for encore All staff at patient Assisted travel Services (pAtS)Anglicare NtBatchelor Institute of Indigenous tertiary education (BIIte )Cancer Council NtCatholic Care Nt (Family Strengths team)Create FoundationDanila DilbaDarwin and Rural Workers with Youth Network (DARWWYN)Family planning Welfare Association of Nt Inc. Family Responsibility CentreGood Beginnings NtGood Karma DonationsGpt CasuarinaHD MechanicsHead Space Henbury SchoolKaren Sheldon trainingKate Guthrey from YWCA NSW encore programMatthew Norris from Norris Building & Construction Nicole Dunn from Carroll & o’Dea lawyersNightcliff lions ClubNorthern territory Council of Social Services (NtCoSS)palmerston and Casuarina Community (Maternal and Child) Health Care teamspalmerston and Rural Youth Services Network (pARYS)palmerston City Councilpalmerston Day Care Centreplaygroup Association NtRiding for the Disabledtata Centre DarwinteWlS – top end Women’s legal Servicethe Smith FamilyVariety NtVeronica edwardsWomen’s Network NtYouthworx Nt

Funding Bodies

Anglicare NtDepartment of Chief MinisterDepartment of Children and FamiliesDepartment of Correctional Services Department of HealthDepartment of HousingDepartment of Social Services

Grants and program donations

Community Benefit FundDarwin International Airport Corporationoffice of Women’s policytim Fairfax Family Foundation

Contractors and Vendors

We acknowledge and thank our contractors and vendors.

Donations

We are grateful for all donations that we receive, which go towards our programs.

Board of Directors

We thank the Board of Directors for the commitment and dedication in governing the organisation in line with our vision.

Staff

We are extremely appreciative of all our staff (full-time, part-time and casual) for their passion, dedication and commitment towards the organisation and our stakeholders.

We also extend our heartfelt appreciation to the many individuals and organisations who donated generously to the organisation, supporting the sustainability of the organisation and its’ programs.

ACKnOWLEDGEMEnTS


YWCA Darwin Level 1, 67 Smith Street, Darwin NT 0800 PH: (08) 8981 8323 FAX: (08) 8941 3943 GPO Box 2586 Darwin NT 0801www.ywcaofdarwin.com.au

2015-16 - YWCA Darwin, Northern Territory · YWCA DARWIN ANNuAl RepoRt 2015-16 3 About YWCA ... nights of accommodation and case management to 259 ... losses and commissioned a feasibility

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