Janice had stepped away from work to care for her two young children, Chloe and Darren. But when her husband Tim lost his job, their family’s circumstances quickly changed.
With rent, food and electricity costs rising, Janice and Tim began going without meals themselves so their children could eat.
“It’s so hard, and just so tiring. I just didn’t know what to do.”
Then they found BaptistCare’s WestCare Centre.
Through the Community Food Hub, Janice and Tim could access quality food and essential items at a price they could afford. Most importantly, they found people who treated them with dignity, kindness and without judgement.
“I can go there, get what I really need and can afford, and take care of my kids’ needs.”
When Janice explained that Darren was also experiencing problems with his sight, the WestCare team helped connect the family with its Eye Clinic so he could receive the care he needed.
For families facing crisis, that support can make all the difference.
For more than 110 years, WestCare has been there for people experiencing hardship.
Today, the challenges facing people in our community are increasingly varied and complex, including homelessness, domestic violence, social isolation, emergency food relief and health needs.
Alongside the Community Food Hub, WestCare provides access to practical health and wellbeing services and connections to support that can help people move from immediate crisis towards greater stability.
It is about helping someone get through today, while giving them a better chance of moving forward tomorrow.
Demand for support is growing.
WestCare needs to raise $200,000 by the end of September to help keep vital services available for people and families who need them.
Your donation can help keep the Community Food Hub stocked, the WestCare kitchen operating and practical care and support within reach.
Every gift can make a difference.
Can provide one week of nutritious breakfasts for one person.
Can provide vital necessities including hot meals, blankets, showers and toiletries.
Can help provide referrals for emergency relief, crisis accommodation and longer-term housing, community connections, health and medical support, legal support and help with addiction.
Can help support keeping the WestCare Centre kitchen open for a week.
Every person who comes through the doors of WestCare deserves to be welcomed with care, dignity and compassion.
Your gift today can help a parent put food on the table. It can help a child access essential healthcare. And it can help someone experiencing crisis find practical support and a pathway forward.
Together, we can help make sure their kitchen isn’t closed.
Please give as generously as you can this Spring.
Donations of $2 or more to BaptistCare are tax-deductible in Australia.
Get in touch today for friendly obligation-free advice, supportive guidance, or just for someone to listen.
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