Good Shepherd News Year End 1999
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Table of Contents
Director's Report Articles
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DIRECTOR'S REPORT
'When any person is oppressed,
we are all diminished.
Where any part of creation is abused or destroyed,
we are impoverished.
We are prepared to challenge people,
institutions or structures that diminish
fullness of life and human dignity.'
(Good Shepherd Sisters' Mission Statement)
This powerful statement from the Good Shepherd Sisters, links the well-being of each individual to the health of social structures and indeed, to the whole of creation. So intrinsic to being human is this link between us all that an attack on the dignity of one of us is an attack on the dignity of all of us. Our individual health and well-being is inextricably linked to the well being of each other and our community.
In its statement of guiding principles or philosophy, Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service reflects this insight when it states that the Agency: '…recognises the right of all to the fullness of life and that this must include the right of all to participate in society; the right to be protected from all that diminishes life and dignity…the right to exercise those duties and responsibilities which build up society…'
Yet, now is surely a period when the predominant consideration is the individual. The Nineties has been referred to as the decade of 'resilient individualism' where individual achievement, measured usually by wealth, status, and influence overshadows considerations of mutual obligation, selfless altruism or the social rather than economic fabric of the community. To be sure, such individualism is greatly assisted by the indiscriminate application of unfettered market principles to almost every aspect of human endeavour. Despite the rhetoric, only those with a head start in life, or the strong, or the cunning benefit from unregulated markets.
Building healthy and strong community, valuing and cultivating what many refer to as 'social capital' and striving for the common good over and above simply what is good for me, are not the virtues we associate with the last couple of decades. On the contrary, the erosion of community and of democracy at crucial points through a disturbing level of secrecy, lack of transparent accountability and the silencing of critics at the highest levels or, at a grass roots level, the disappearance of local services, facilities and supports (especially in low income communities) does not seem to concern us much. If there is a niggling worry in the recesses of our conscience that we might just be on the wrong tram, the frenetic pace of life, the succession of 'glitsy' events or, perhaps, just the sheer momentum of the roller-coaster of change serve to smother incipient flirtations with unorthodoxy.
How eccentric then, how out of tune with 'reality', Community Service Agencies like Good Shepherd must appear to so many! Our mandate is to work with the most disadvantaged, with the real 'battlers' with those in crisis, those who are poor or homeless or abused or who have no real voice, no real chances. But building just, healthy communities in which such families, children and teenagers can experience security, safety, adequate health care and educational opportunities where real participation occurs and support can be found is an essential part of valuing the dignity of the individual. No-one is truly valued if their community is de-valued. No-one truly benefits from our services if we are not also building solid communities through advocacy, community participation and community development work.
Unfortunately but not surprisingly, the radical change to the provision of youth and family services initiated by the State Government Department of Human Services focuses on individual need without much reference to the communities in which individuals live. Although it has some laudable goals, the restructuring which is so occupying the time and resources of Agencies offers no support for tried and true community building tools - community development projects, advocacy, community education and so on. Indeed, the restructure of Victorian community services is not really about community need at all but rather about how non-government organisations can provide a narrow band of statutory services to a targeted minority and with limited resources. In the long term and in terms of social goals, this redevelopment will serve to impoverish the non-government community services sector by weakening the partnership between government and non-government in caring for all who experience serious disadvantage (not just those to whom there is a statutory obligation); by neglecting the community-building components of social services and by diminishing the richness of the role of the agencies within communities by reducing them to mere service delivery outlets for a government department.
Throughout this year, Good Shepherd, conscious of its mission as community-builder and conscious of the fact that it often swims against the tide of individualism and rampant consumerism, re-affirmed its values and set a direction that would continue to shape the organisation as an agent for the development of just, healthy, participatory communities. Commitment to social justice principles which encourages planning responsive services at a genuinely local community level and boldly outlining policy alternatives to current orthodoxy is alive and well at Good Shepherd!
The spirit of the Founder of Good Shepherd, St. Mary Euphrasie Pelletier which comes to us in contemporary form through, amongst other things, the mission statement quoted above and upon which Good Shepherd Youth and Family Service bases its guiding principles, enables us to look beyond the short term and the temptation to tailor our mission to fit current ideologies. We will move into the next millennium paying close attention to new ways of building vibrant, healthy, just, truly inclusive communities precisely because we believe passionately in the dignity of each individual. This passionate belief is very tangible in this year's Annual Report and it really does reflect the absolute dedication of our skilled and professional staff. Just as importantly though, I hope that reading this Annual Report will challenge more of us to commit ourselves with the same passion to building stronger and more just communities in which everyone, no matter how disadvantaged, may thrive.
Michael Yore.
Chairperson's Report
Values need to be lived to be real. Values cannot simply be words or ideas or dreams. They need to come to life and actively influence decision making and actions. Good Shepherd believes that our values should be able to be seen in the work that we do.
Good Shepherd's commitment to Social Justice is grounded in belief and respect for each individual. We must however do more than respond to the symptoms we see, and we must do far more than react to the environment around us. We must work for genuine and concrete changes to the structures and symptoms that perpetrate injustice and suffering. We do this by working in partnership with individuals and communities.
It is not the words alone of an agency that bring about change, but the actions that accompany these words. So while Good Shepherd has been strongly protesting changes and injustices, we also accompany these words with actions, and stories from the heart of our work. In times of increasing despair and Government control, the work of Good Shepherd has managed to provide hope and continued to make a difference in the communities in which we work.
This Annual Report captures some of the spirit and passion of the last year of Good Shepherd work. The pictures and stories that come from our programs and services are testament to the living mission statements that guide, inform and influence all our work. The report highlights not only what we do, but also tries to provide a glimpse of how we do that work. I commend it to you!
Michael Coyne's magnificent photographs capture the spirit of some of our work. It is work we are proud to present to you, and work we have been encouraged in by all the support from so many individuals throughout the year. We thank the Good Shepherd Sisters again for their generosity of resources.
So many warm words nowadays are used in descriptions that hide stark realities and reforms. It is a pleasure to record some thanks and warm words for all those who have helped Good Shepherd throughout the year. Michael Yore, continues to lead with passion and encouragement. Staff and volunteers work with commitment and compassion; balancing care for the individual with the challenges of the bigger picture and structures. We thank too, those who support us with donations- such generosity helps us maintain our independent voice, and creativity.
Good Shepherd is committed to working with the community beyond market forces and formulas. We believe the individual is important and values are lived, not restricted to paper documents. We invite you to join us in our work, and look forward to the difference this will make.
Jacinta Lithgow
MOOOV
Good Shepherd was able to plan and develop an innovative new programme over the past year, Mentors one-on-one Volunteers (MOOOV), which was launched in May, 1999. Central to the planning was a determination that it be integral and complementary to all services provided by the agency.
The MOOOV programme assists an adult volunteer to befriend a young person who may be isolated, in emotional pain or from a disadvantaged background who and who is in need of a positive role model. Mentors spend time with a young person on a weekly basis. The mentor provides friendship, guidance and assistance as needed. Generally the mentor shares similar interests and hobbies as the young person, or has special skills and/or abilities that will benefit in setting aspirations or plans.
All Good Shepherd services stand to be enriched by integrating the use of MOOOV volunteers into the mix of resources and services from which their respective programmes draw to meet their service delivery needs.
Mission
Good Shepherd Youth & Family Service works side by side with people who are disadvantaged or oppressed in any way.
We provide a range of services from family counselling to supported accommodation for the homeless; from 'no interest' loans to teenage foster care; and from financial counselling to emergency housing for victims of domestic violence . . . all of these services are free, and available from our centres located in Collingwood, St Kilda, St Albans and Hastings.
We believe that everyone, regardless of age, sex, culture or religion, has the right to adequate income and shelter, opportunities for education and employment, quality health care and nutrition, and that everyone should be treated with dignity and respect.
A desire for social justice and a deep and genuine concern for people is characteristic of our work.
Good Shepherd will not compromise its core values, and will always endeavour to:
- Provide quality services;
- Attempt to influence policy through research and through advocating on behalf of those with whom we work;
- Involve those who use our service, in the planning and management of the agency;
- Inform the community of the various social issues affecting them;
- Listen to the community's needs and respond appropriately;
- Participate in the lives of local communities;
- Work cooperatively with other organisations and groups in the development and coordination of effective services and strategies to bring about positive social change; and
- Ensure our services are culturally relevant, recognising and respecting different lifestyles, attitudes, religions and values within the community.
Case Studies and Analysis
Case study: Family Services
After a relationship breakdown 'Jennifer' moved to Victoria with her 14 year old daughter 'Belinda'. They were living in a boarding house and could not afford furniture, nor could they afford rental accommodation.
Belinda was refusing to attend school and had difficulty making new friends and concentrating in class. She lacked social links and was becoming increasingly isolated and depressed.
Jennifer was overwhelmed by the current situation. She felt like a bad mother because her daughter was so unhappy and would not go to school. The tension had led to several heated arguments between them.
With the help of the Strengthening Families Program, Jennifer and Belinda were linked into resources to secure appropriate accommodation, furniture, food and clothing. After they were accommodated Jennifer and Belinda were able to set goals around what they would like to achieve for themselves and each other.
Contact was made with the School Welfare Coordinator and support plans were put in place for Belinda's return to school. She was linked with a peer leader and an appropriate peer network. Belinda then found it easier to concentrate and started to attend school regularly.
Jennifer attended a Good Shepherd parenting program. She began to feel better about herself as a parent and was able to develop strategies to respond to Belinda's behaviour that did not involve "yelling or blaming".
Since commencing counselling Belinda has been able to express her feelings to her mother more effectively. Both continue to work on their relationship.
Analysis
Family support staff work in a non judgmental, non threatening way with families in their homes. The aim is to support families in their decisions about issues that affect their lives, to promote and enhance skill development, to establish links with other services and community networks and to increase positive interaction and communication within the family and wider system.
Family Services enables families to remain together while dealing with stresses which may otherwise divide them. Good Shepherd provides outreach, case management and in-home support to families with children between 0 and 18 years.
By providing links to resources and other services available in the community families have opportunities to focus on developmental aspects of their lives, rather than become preoccupied with stresses and material difficulties.
Jennifer and Belinda were assisted in creating a 'picture' of how they want their family to be. As they were made aware of the resources and services available to them, with the support of Good Shepherd workers, they chose for themselves the path they would take.
This case demonstrates that while not all problems can be neatly solved, the capacity to work on them positively, and within the context of 'community', places families in a more cohesive position.
Case study: Youth Services
Lydia's mother had several partners who abused both the mother and Lydia. Periodic visits to her biological father were also violent and abusive. Eventually, the mother remarried. Her new partner, did not want the mother to have any contact with Lydia. Lydia felt totally rejected by both parents.
Lydia, now 18, had been drawn to peers with similar life experiences to her own. They all used drugs. Cheap and accessible, heroin became Lydia's drug of choice.
To support her dependency, Lydia turned to shop-lifting, burglary and, at times, prostitution.
Lydia eventually sought assistance from Good Shepherd after her second abortion in six months. She could no longer cope with the grief and loss of the pregnancies and the boyfriends who deserted her. Having faced so much rejection in her short life, she became obsessed with the thought of killing herself. Her mental state was unstable, her drug use increased and she took unimaginable risks with her own life.
Counselling has focussed initially on health and safety issues and on the area of grief and loss. Her counsellor will gradually move into the area of self esteem, helping Lydia to learn to love, appreciate and respect who she is. Family abuse and substance abuse will be looked at in the future . . . it will be a long road for Lydia.
Analysis
In developing plans to address the issues in Lydia's life, we are able to provide some sense of areas where she has control.
Building on these strengths, we begin to address the programs aims of enabling young people to take best advantage of the opportunities available to them, while also maximising these opportunities.
There are no simple solutions, but the work with Lydia will be ongoing, with the hope that changes will be achieved.
Social Perspectives: Year in Context
Youth Services
...The Youth Allowance was introduced at the beginning of last year and 45,000 young unemployed people have been the worse off for it. Now young adults aged between 18 and 20 will have their parents incomes assessed in determining their benefits. Those young people between 16 and 17 have to be involved in some training or education to get a benefit. The tighter this grip closes the more young people fall through the gaps, and there is no doubt left about how government policies discriminate against young people and implement victim blaming mentalities...
Women's Support
...A number of changes in government policy have directly impacted on women in Australia, including the legal aid cuts which have caused victims of domestic violence difficulties in obtaining legal justice. On the state level the number of women in the women's prison has burst to over 160, in a prison which was built for approximately 120; significantly, many of these women are on drug related offences; more appropriate policy related responses are desperately required...
Family Support
...The single-parent pension is now reclassified as a parenting payment, a shift in emphasis which has a range of implications in terms of other benefits that would have once flowed on to the recipients of that pension - no longer are single parents categorised as a group with specialist welfare needs. Tighter targetting of services has meant that the number of visits to maternal and child health centres has been decreased - the loss of early identification of needs is an obvious impact of this, with the loss of social capital arising from the changes to these services being a less obvious but more devastating effect. Also, major uncertainty has arisen from changes to the delivery of child care services...
Accommodation
...An increase of 50% in homelessness over the past decade means that there are now 147,000 homeless people in Australia. "Yet when was the last time a political leader expressed any firm commitment to reducing homelessness or poverty, or to ensuring access to income, housing or employment for disadvantaged groups?" (Michael Raper, 1998) The simple reality is that both state and federal government policies have focused on perpetuating the perception of personal causes of homelessness, while failing to acknowledge that inadequate policies exist to address the real causes: such as an unemployment payment that is 20% below the poverty line, and the virtual non-existence of any real labour market programmes for the long-term unemployed...
No Interest Loans Schemes (NILS)
...Bank branch closures featured during the past year as the major banking companies determined that managerialist approaches to the bottom line were more important than protecting customers interests - the irony being that bank executives are now saying that perhaps they went too far with the closures; how many times did we tell them this before the consumer backlash? While we still wait for substantive reversal of their profit maximising policies, we note that banking fees have continued to rise over the past year, and that those on lowest incomes continue to bear the burden of rising costs in both relative and absolute terms...
Buying Service
...The announcement of the GST has horrified deliverers of services which help overcome some impoverishing practices and policies. In particular, the yet to be realised impact of the GST on family budgets, especially those on low and fixed incomes, will undermine many efforts of services to reduce poverty. We can expect the demand for our services to grow as more families realise they are unable to cope with the expenses of everyday living as prices rise, and compensation schemes reveal their inherent inadequacies...
Financial Counselling
...A Council Of Social Services (COSS) Network survey conducted during the year "of frontline community welfare services show that many agencies are stretched to the limit and unable to cope with the increased demand from low income and disadvantaged Australians.
The results show that things are getting worse rather than better:
- the proportion of agencies that have experienced an increase in demand for their services in the past six months has risen to 77% &emdash; up from the 65% that reported increased demand in the previous 6 months;
- of those agencies experiencing an increase in demand, 25% report not being able to cope with the increased demand, while more than half are "stretched" (58%);
- around three quarters of agencies have been operating at maximum capacity for at least 6 months (77%)."
Agencies reported that this sustained increase in demand is the result of there being more people in need (25% of respondents) and that another factor was a rise in the complexity of people's needs (21%)."...
Community Advocacy
...The need for independent public advocacy could not be greater than at present. While at the state level it is becoming more difficult to get an issue onto the public agenda, federal financial resources are being refused to a wide range of advocacy organisations: the Australian Youth Policy and Action Coalition, had its funding cut, National Shelter has been de-funded, while the Australian Pensioners' and Superannuants' Federation, the Australian Community Health Association, the Association of Civilian Widows, the Australian Catholic Social Welfare Commission, Family Planning Australia, and the National Out of Schools Hours Association have all had the chop.
Volunteers
...19% of adult Australians do voluntary work (formal or informal), including 23% of all women and 15% of all men.Women are much more likely to do informal voluntary work, 18.9%, than are men, 11.2%. 'Community services for children or others' ranks as the fourth most frequently conducted type of voluntary work. People not in the labour force are more likely to undertake voluntary work, 23.6% of their total, than people who are employed, of whom 15.9% volunteer. The average period of time people spend in volunteer activities is 82 minutes in a day...