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#powerofcommunity

By | Events

POWER OF COMMUNITY

COVID-19 has impacted the way in which we connect as a community. With social distancing now part of our daily lives, the impacts of these measures will affect our communities. We see this particularly within families experiencing domestic violence and abuse.

With restrictions in place, it is easy to feel overwhelmed by the situation. for far more specifics about how to play blackjack uk. However, during adversity often the best elements of human nature shine. We know that acts of kindness, compassion and generosity make our community a positive and better place.

Community is so important to Mary’s House Services, we would not be where we are today without it. We invite you to join us in our #powerofcommunity campaign and reach out to others within your community to demonstrate the power of kindness.

Use this template to share your kindness and deliver or send it to your neighbours, friends or family. Some ideas may include sending a letter or postcard to help combat loneliness, check-in with loved ones and neighbours, deliver meals to those in isolation, donate to Mary’s House Services on your neighbours behalf or draw a picture and make them smile.

We would love to see and share your #powerofcommunity ideas. Please send in any images you have so we can share on our Facebook and Instagram page or tag us in your post using #powerofcommunity tag so we can share how you are spreading kindness across our communities.

Every bit helps

By | News & Media

Mary’s House was established because the people of northern Sydney wanted to do something real to help women and children to escape from potentially fatal domestic violence. It is 100% community funded, and we’re appealing to our friends to keep supporting us to continue to make a difference.

We know times are tough, so we want to be sure that you know where the money goes.

Most of the cash donations support our caseworkers. People kindly ask, “how much do you need?” The answer to that is of course,  “how long is a piece of string”? We are already receiving more referrals than we can support and without more funding, women will be turned away. So the equation is simple, the more funding we can raise the more we can provide in additional case worker hours and the more women and children we can help.

Every single dollar that comes to Mary’s House counts in practical ways. In helping women set up a new future, there’s a whole raft of areas where your help makes a difference. Here are some examples…

$50 Essential Personal Items

When a family arrives at the refuge, they often have an immediate need for personal care items.  $50 can provide a complete pack of essential items to be given on arrival. It includes things like shampoo, conditioner, soap, toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, hairbrush, handcream, moisturiser, etc

$100 Essential Travel

Not having access to a car means reliance on public transport to get to appointments with police, counsellors and other services.  $100 provides access to transport to access these services, as well as to take children to school

$500 Basic Clothing

It is not uncommon for a family to arrive with nothing more than the clothes they are wearing.  While some, good quality items are donated, being able to provide new basics like underwear, shoes, jeans, tops and jumpers/jackets for a woman and her children is essential.  A small starter of wardrobe items for a small family can be purchased for $500

$1,000 Baby Essentials

Any parent will know the cost of setting up for a new baby or a small infant.  $1,000 can provide all the essentials for mum to look after her little one.

These packs could include things like a cot, a baby monitor, baby clothes, nappies, baby formula, bottles, sterilisers, soothers, age appropriate toys

Home Set Up

$2,000 will set up bedrooms for a Mum and two children including a queen bed, queen mattress, 2 x single beds, 2 x single mattresses, linen for all beds

$5,000 can set up a whole new home with the basics for a kitchen, dining, living room and bedroom furniture and the household essentials for a new start

2020 was a difficult year for everyone, which is why we’re so very grateful to you all for your support and advocacy. In 2021, we hope to move ever-closer to our goal which is to say “we don’t accept domestic violence in our community” and to bring services to more women and their children than ever before. That’s thanks to you all.

If you want to find out more, or perhaps hold a fundraiser, simply fill in the form below and we’ll be in touch.

If you want to donate, simply follow this link…https://maryshouse.org.au/donate-now/

    Mary’s House “Make a Difference” Fundraiser

    By | Events

    In 2016 – 2017 – 72,000 women, 34,000 children and 9,000 men sought help for homelessness due to family violence.1 That’s more women and children than the entire population of the north shore!1

    Mary’s House was established by the citizens of the north shore to respond to the desperate need for women and children to escape from potentially fatal domestic violence. It is 100% community funded, and we’re appealing to our supporters and new friends to keep our services operating and really make a difference. During the Covid-19 pandemic, our fundraising events have been put to the side, however we still need to continue to raise funds for Mary’s House, and our newly opened non-residential women’s services day centre – The Daisy Centre, which provides the information and essential services to keep women, children and pets safe before she leaves a domestic violence situation – when the risk of harm is greatest.

    What can you do to make a difference?

    This year, to be “covid-safe” we’re making it as easy as possible for you and your “covid bubble” closest friends and family to participate in a way that you feel most comfortable. You can add your individual flair to any fundraising event you wish to host to make it interactive and fun!

    Here are some ideas for your individual fundraiser…

    1. Host a fundraiser with an entry fee

    Brunch/Lunch
    Morning Tea/Afternoon Tea
    Cheese and Wine night
    Scrabble or board game afternoon
    Movie Night

    You can add some fun into the event with some extra “gold coin” taxes! For example…

    You could charge a “tax” for extra special goodies like a Lamington tax! Or ask for a gold coin donation for an extra glass of wine. You could host a mini-raffle, or ask for a gold coin donation to participate in a game of “guess the cheese”. Or if you’re playing a game, you could ask players to pay to swap their cards or tiles!

    2. Pass the hat around at an existing event

    Dedicate a sporting event to Mary’s House
    Dedicate your tennis tournament/golf round
    Dedicate your Book Club to Mary’s House
    Dedicate your Bridge Night to Mary’s House

    3. Host an online event

    Invite all of your friends to a “zoom-a-thon”

    “Mogglebox” invite your friends to stream the same movie at the same time and share your comments by text and Facetime

    When you send your invitation, include the link to Mary’s House ‘Donate’ page for a donation to join in the fun.

    4. Spread the word, tag a friend and simply donate!

    We only need 2,000 people on the north shore to donate $10 each to reach our goal for November, so we hope these small and simple activities will bring some joy to a year that has been difficult for everyone. We thank you for everything you do.

    Register your event

    Fill in this form to register your event and receive your authorisation number for banking details and your tax receipt.

      Mary’s House Update During the COVID-19 Event

      By | News & Media

      At Mary’s House, we are mindful that the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the resulting economic crisis, will place enormous strain on vulnerable families. There will be many people in the community who are worried about their safety and that of their children. For those people who have experienced family violence, being confined in close quarters could place them at risk of further incidents. Protecting members of the community remains an essential service and people should not hesitate to contact the Police, who will continue to respond to calls for help from victims of domestic violence.

      Please see below link which provides information in respect of recent changes to law around Apprehended Domestic Violence Orders.

      https://www.nsw.gov.au/news-and-events/news/covid-19-emergency-laws-introduced-toparliament-to-boost-community-safety/

      In short, we predict that the Police will now apply for more provisional ADVOs and there will be an extended period (possibly up to 6 months) before these matters will need to be heard in Court. The family law courts are still open and the Court is conducting most matters by phone.

      There are also hotlines that provide advice for people with concerns about domestic violence, such as 1800 65 64 63 or 1800 RESPECT. A link to their website is below:

      https://www.1800respect.org.au

      For those families that have parenting orders, please see this important link to a recent media releases issued by the Family Court.

      http://www.familycourt.gov.au/wps/wcm/connect/fcoaweb/about/news/mr260320

      There is an emphasis on parties being pragmatic about reaching temporary agreements regarding changes in arrangements that may need to be made.

      The release also emphasises the importance of children maintaining a meaningful relationship with both parents. Everyone’s circumstances are unique, but in the absence of an agreement, we would suggest that parents seek legal advice before making a decision not to comply with a Court Order.

      We extend our best wishes to you and your families with the hope that you remain healthy and safe.