8 June 2008
Dear Supporter,
We have just completed our accreditation compliance with the Children’s
Guardian which involved extra unexpected costs and staff time for SSH.
Now for an update on the House:
Recently we had a breakthrough with 2 young residents Damian and Shaun. Very ebullient and at times difficult to handle, they have both now obtained jobs. Damian works in graphics on DVD's and Shaun works as a kitchen hand/assistant cook in a well known Eastern Suburbs restaurant, commuting daily from Dulwich Hill. They have worked now for more than a month and are doing well; it is a great achievement.
Finn Callanan, now is our Full-Time Supervisor/Case Worker. The residents we are receiving now come from extremely dysfunctional family situations and from foster care placements that have not worked so we have had to increase our staffing.
We have 2 new residents in the house who are settling in. Finn has already 3 new staff members who bring great vitality and professionalism to the job. We now have a very strict protocol from DoCS for out-of-home-care.
Finn gives of her time voluntarily for our camps. She recently accompanied 5 of our young people including ex-residents for a week-end at Peats Ridge (see David FitzSimons’ story on the back). The ex-residents are great role models and mentors for the residents. Finns’ report (including the Philippines journey) is on the reverse side.
Our Regatta is fixed for Thursday, 6 March 2008.
Thank you for your past support. Your ongoing help is critical at the moment.
Kind regards,
MAX CONNERY
Chairperson
PS: As we go to press, our resident Shaun, still in work has moved on. He is replaced by Brett (in year 11 at a selective high school) a keen student.
PPS: We have another fantastic wine offer from The Vine Press (my son Rhys Connery) of premium boutique wines as per the attachment. Stepping Stone receives $20 for every case purchased.
NEWS FROM THE HOUSE
Ladies and Gentlemen,
It has been an extremely busy year for Stepping Stone House (“SSH”) this year. We have undergone structural change, enhancement of service delivery model, staff change, management change and have applied for full Accreditation. We have had working bees (thanks to Lendlease), bathroom developments (thanks to Rotary) and painting.
We have had camps but our biggest one for the year was to the Philippines. The trip was organised for fourteen young people to participate in a working excursion to the Philippines. This was about allowing a young person from Australia to gain a passport, and with a pack on their back, head overseas to a country where poverty, hunger and pain is widespread. The disadvantages in this country are painfully obvious to the eyes. The young people from Australia were encouraged to engage in conversations, songs and food, and experience the culture and hardships of other young people. The project involved equipping three orphanages with classrooms and facilities, so that the young Philppinos could gain an education.
Achievements for the year:
We have many achievements. We have had young people, move back into the community. We have had young people reconnect with their families after years of conflict. We have had young people gaining employment within the wider community and we continue to develop our “house”.
Our Commitment:
It is endless. We value each child that walks through the doors of SSH. We continue to make contact with those who live within the community, and we have an open door policy for young people who "come against" change within their lives and are in need of further support and guidance. In such a case, last year, we reconnected a young male back to his family in Queensland. We continue to work with him.
Our Volunteers:
We have a wonderful group of volunteers who have dedicated so much energy, love and time to the children of SSH. Their presence within SSH is invaluable, as is their wealth of knowledge and experience. The value of their presence is also about 'self worth', as the young people of SSH, realise they are not paid employees, so in return, volunteers must think it’s ok to "hang out' with SSH.
Please continue to help us.
Cheers,
Finn Callanan
Co-ordinator
STEPPING STONE PEATS RIDGE STAY – NOVEMBER 2007
Saturday. Wet, wet, wet and when I arrive (late after sailing) it develops that the Stepping Stone contingent has only just beaten me there and there is no camp fire in evidence.
Encouragingly, three of the five boys are splitting wood and we soon have a fire going – cook a BBQ and have an enjoyable chat around the fire with Finn and Bec. Overnight it rains so heavily that the fire is completely out but we start it again and have breakfast as the weather suddenly clears to a brilliant day.
After washing up, it’s tree planting time. Each of the 5 boys plants a tree – fruit trees and shade trees that they can perhaps come and enjoy in 10 or 20 years time. Cory keeps track of a tree he planted as a seedling 2 or 3 years ago – it is now 1.5 metres high and looking healthy.
The pressure is now on for a practice drive – John has been pestering me since 30 seconds after I arrived last night. I make a deal: pull out 500 flare weeds from the cow paddock and it’ll be on. Together 3 of the boys and I do the job and so with the Landcruiser in low range to limit top speed to about 50 KPH, we complete four or five laps of the farm with each boy taking a turn. After a final clean up and pack away of the gear, they’re off to Glenworth Valley for an hour on the quad bikes – my mum and dad would be pleased to see their farm being enjoyed by all the young people....
David FitzSimons
EMPLOYMENT AVAILABLE
Do you want a job with Stepping Stone?
To work with young people and enjoy their camping experience contact this website or Max Connery on maxconnery@connery.com.au
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out please email your details to maxconnery@connery.com.au |
