Three Central Coast organisations are among seven regional community groups and charities to share in almost $650,000 from Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
The funds will be used to support the delivery of projects and initiatives aimed at improving the health and social wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged people in regional NSW.
RizeUp, operating on the Coast, and in the Hunter and Mid North, will receive $55,000 for its “driving to safety” program.
By providing a vehicle, this initiative will enable RizeUp to collect donations that will furnish homes for survivors of domestic and family violence.
Also receiving $55,000 is Solve-TAD, operating on the Central Coast and in the Hunter to help children with disabilities “cycle to freedom”.
The program will gift a custom-built Freedom Wheels bike to 25 children with physical and cognitive disabilities who are unable to personally afford or access NDIS funding to purchase such a bike, introducing them to the social benefits of cycling.
And on the receiving end of $50,000 will be SMART Central Coast and Hunter, which will train 20 Lifeline counsellors across two hubs to deliver SMART (Self-Management and Recovery Training) Recovery meetings, which provide clients with evidence-based addiction and mental health support.
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation Chair, Jennifer Leslie, said each of the seven projects would make an important difference in the communities they served.
“We have a wonderful array of projects in this funding round, showing both the broad need in our regional communities, and the impressive drive, talent and determination our charity partners and colleagues show every day,” she said.
“This round includes programs that aim to reunite families, empower indigenous women and give children with a disability the chance to experience the fun and freedom of cycling.
“It shows just how much need exists in our communities and how far the need reaches.”
Engagement and Marketing Manager at Solve-TAD, Meadhbh Roche said the grant would help support children to access a fun means of physiotherapy or physical activity, provide opportunities for community engagement and social inclusion and improve emotional wellbeing.
“Cycling to Freedom for Children with Disabilities supports young people living with a disability to ride a bike or trike, sometimes for the very first time,” she said.
“This project will support about 25 young people to have an assessment with an occupational therapist and fully fund bikes and trikes for those who cannot access the NDIS.”
Leslie said that as the Charitable Foundation was celebrating its 20th anniversary, it was a time to reflect on past success, present work, and future endeavours.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to pause and appreciate two decades of hard work, during which time our Foundation has distributed more than $26M, been part of over 550 projects, built hundreds of exceptional relationships with invaluable partners, and changed countless lives,” she said.
“Staying in the present, these seven projects remind us of the value and importance our partners have in their communities, and the ways in which their hard work makes a tangible difference every day.
“When looking ahead, we dream big – and at 20 years young, we’re just getting started!”
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation holds two grant-giving ceremonies each year, with the second for 2023 set to be held in December.
Source:
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation