Four Hunter-based projects are set to make an important difference in the community, thanks to the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation.
While seven regional groups and charities will share in almost $650,000 in funding, local organisations Family Inclusion Strategies Hunter (FISH), RizeUp, Solve-TAD and SMART Recovery will benefit to the tune of $254,831.
The funds support the delivery of initiatives aimed at improving the health and social wellbeing of vulnerable and disadvantaged people.
FISH, which collected $94,831, hopes to enhance outcomes for children in out-of-home care, by providing parents with assistance, knowledge and skills.
As for RizeUp, $55,000 will go towards its Driving to Safety program.
And, by purchasing a vehicle, they’ll be able to collect donations that will furnish homes for survivors of domestic and family violence.
Solve-TAD received $55,000, too.
Its project 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 vehicle, introducing them to the social benefits of cycling.
SMART Recovery also garnered $50,000.
They’ll train 20 Lifeline counsellors across two hubs – Hunter and Central Coast – to deliver Self-Management and Recovery Training meetings, which provide clients with evidence-based addiction and mental health support.
Other beneficiaries included Central West’s Boys to the Bush (Schools Programs Initiative – $108,800) and Foodbank (Central West Community Food Relief Program – $137,000) and New England’s University of New South Wales (Wirringaa-baa: Women’s Empowerment and Cultural Resilience Project – $146,961).
Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation chair Jennifer Leslie was delighted to assist the recipients of the grants.
“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 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.”
As the Newcastle Permanent Charitable Foundation celebrates its 20th anniversary, Ms Leslie said 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,” she explained.
“During that time, our foundation has distributed more than $26 million, been part of over 550 projects, built hundreds of exceptional relationships with invaluable partners and changed countless lives.
“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 stages two grant giving ceremonies each year, with the second for 2023 set to take place in December.
Many of Tuesday’s recipients have already started their projects, with all expected to be completed by 2025.
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