A community has evolving needs unique to the people and places within it, and a Neighbourhood House has to adapt and develop with its community which means every house is different.
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A Neighbourhood House connects people with their community in a space that does not judge or discriminate. It's a happy and safe place where disabled, abused, addicted, traumatised, helpless, sick, disadvantaged, Indigenous, LGBTQI and isolated people are seen and treated as an equal.
With our extremely limited staff, funds and resources, we make sure that each individual is supported and our goal is to empower as many people as possible, young and old, make a positive difference in their lives.
The neighbourhood house does not have full-time staff, but is run by people who work very long hours, go above and beyond, not for money, but for the rewarding outcome of helping another human being.
For example, the parent who just received a speeding fine they cannot afford to pay is assisted with support through their community service hours and daily life.
We also provide food for the hungry who would otherwise go without.
The Neighbourhood House assists retired individuals who feel they have lost purpose, are isolated and forgotten by family, to find a purpose again and we do welfare checks on the elderly to make sure they are okay.
Mentally or physically disabled people are given a communal place where they are not judged, participate in programs of all abilities, feel part of the community and are welcomed as an equally capable person.
We find a safe place for the abused, victimised and terrified, finding beds for the homeless at night and assisting them with the struggles of life on the streets.
We help suicidal people find the will to live another day and Neighbourhood House employees help find the right pathways to stop addiction.
These people are treated just like anyone else and not judged for any substance abuse or relapses they have or have previously had.
Everyone deserves a chance at getting help and we do what we can to help each and every person who walks through our door reaching out in need.
Unfortunately, with limited staffing, funding and resources we find it difficult to provide the required assistance for everyone, and while some organisations feel we can provide the assistance ourselves, due to contractual requirements and the huge number of diverse problems an entire community faces it is just not possible.
We provide the pathways and make the phone calls to link in or refer to the organisation who is funded to help the individual based on their unique crises.
When a community comes together to provide many little things it makes a positive difference in peoples' lives, but the most amazing gift of all that you can give someone is your time.
You can volunteer in many ways or assist us to lobby for some much-needed funding, so when the next person walks through our door in need of help, we can provide the assistance they are looking for.
Sometimes it's as simple as donating old clothes that sit in the cupboard collecting dust that can be the saviour of another person's life.
A tent or blanket provides warmth and shelter to a desperate person and any food you have that you don't need feeds a starving family.
It is vital for us to collaborate with other organisations for the overall delivery of service to our community, and I cannot commend the organisations who have supported us in our programs and events this past year highly enough.
We could not have done any of this without you.
So what is a Neighbourhood House?
It is a place in the community where everyone, no matter who you are can be empowered and can receive the much-needed service and support to make it through the day.
It's a place to learn, play, engage and connect with others, a space to find yourself or a purpose in life, an inclusive community that accepts you for who you are, but most of all it's a space where you are heard.
Drop in to say hello, participate in one of our programs or just enjoy a cuppa as we are here for you.
EVERYONE is welcome.
Lisa Arnfield, co-ordinator, Stawell Neighbourhood House Inc.
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