There are more than 60,000 charities in Australia, each playing a role in supporting those in need. For these three Aussie charities, helping others isn’t just a mission, it’s central to everything they believe.
NASCA
In 1995, NASCA became the first organisation in Australia dedicated to encouraging Indigenous participation in sports. Since then, it has grown into a 100 percent Indigenous governed and led charity on a mission to connect young Mob to Culture and improve educational outcomes.
This mission is carried out through four main programs, with an impressive 93 percent graduation rate overall. The Young Women’s Academy provides one-on-one and group mentoring, in-class support, cultural excursions, camps, workshops and dedicated safe spaces tailored to help young women and girls succeed in secondary schooling. The focus is on students at a critical drop-out point, who need help reengaging with their education. So far, over 38,000 hours of support, 2,200 young women have been helped to succeed at school.
The All Gender Academy operates on a similar structure for students between the ages of 12 and 18. Whether this means transportation to and from school, health meals, academic support or well-being workshops, volunteers work with Indigenous students of all identities to foster a love of learning. The program also provides opportunities to connect with Culture through activities and excursions.
The Pathways Program stays with students from year nine until they leave high school, helping them to develop post-school plans, teaching resume writing and assisting with entry into university and TAFE. Students are also encouraged to gain other professional accreditations, including White Cards and First Aid Certificates. Beneath the surface, the program is all about building confidence, resilience, and goals for the future.
Finally, the Northern Territory Program is an intensive workshop run three times a year in nine remote communities in the NT. NASCA acknowledges that great education is sometimes hard to access in remote communities, delivering in-class support, before-and-after-school activities, sports and wellbeing workshops to boost educational outcomes and inspire kids to follow their passions.
So far, NASCA has supported more than 19,000 young people across its programs, with a 70 percent school attendance rate.
Farmers Angels
Initially known as Drought Angels for its work supporting farmers impacted by prolonged periods of drought, Farmers Angels has since expanded its efforts to provide financial assistance, food hampers, care packs and wellbeing support to more than 4,700 primary producers affected by natural disasters in more than 1,300 communities.
Despite functioning as the backbone to Australian industry, farmers face significant pressures including market fluctuations, family responsibilities, natural disasters and financial stress. This has a profound effect on mental health and wellbeing, with one farmer committing suicide every 10 days.
Farmers Angels seeks to change this reality through several important programs. Angels on the Phone offers short-term financial assistance and relief for producers impacted by natural disasters. This means individuals can call and instantly process applications for assistance, while the team of Angels – who are farmers or rural community members themselves – also follow up with regular mental health check-ins.
The Angels on the Road program involves visiting farmers on their properties to deliver food hampers and care packs, while also providing a listening ear. As Angels come from a rural background, they are well versed in topics such as cattle prices, soil moisture and other farm issues, so they understand what producers are going through. They are also able to refer farmers to mental health services and financial counsellors for additional support.
Over the last financial year, Farmers Angels have travelled 151,923 kilometres to deliver $250,171 worth of goods and hampers to farmers.
For Rural Day Off, Angels select a community in need and brings together farmers and neighbours for a day of connection and pampering. Over the course of the day, producers and families are offered morning tea, lunch and an evening meal, and local community members provide services including haircuts, massages and entertainment to show support and improve spirits.
Farmers Angels aims to stand by all Aussie farmers to make sure they never feel alone, even in times of hardship.
Youturn
Youturn is a not-for-profit supporting individuals experiencing homelessness across southern Queensland. The organisation believes that having a home is not simply about shelter, but creating a stable and safe place to live a healthy life.
The Child Safety Program is a suite of more than 15 different services committed to helping vulnerable families to maintain the family unit, and children who cannot safely remain with their parents to achieve independence.
Young people transitioning to adulthood can join the independent living service where they live out of home while still receiving education, training and employment opportunities to increase confidence and capability. They will also learn life skills such as housekeeping, cooking and budgeting.
Families in need are supported by the Bridging Families Program, where they work with the Child Safety Service to create a safe and protective environment with guidance from a professional. Youturn works with around five vulnerable families each week who are impacted by a range of unique challenges.
Specialist Homelessness Service is another major initiative. Youturn operates 50 beds across almost 20 properties including several 24-hour, fully supervised locations taking in young people between the ages of 16 and 25. Wrap-around case management means that individuals continue to receive support and information even after leaving the accommodation, including emergency food vouchers, hygiene packs, groceries and clothing.
Those in need can also access financial counselling to learn about budgeting and money management strategies, realistic debt payment plans, and referrals to further support options. For those struggling with mental health issues, Youturn has a team of clinicians and healthcare workers available to provide psychological support specifically for young people aged 12 to 25. It has also established StandBy, Australia’s leading suicide postvention program supporting anyone who has been impacted by suicide including individuals, families, friends, witnesses and first responders. The service is available seven days a week, with free face-to-face and telephone support at a location best for the individual.
To read about three more Aussie charities building a brighter tomorrow, click here.