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In 1907, a young, courageous, partly blind woman called Louisa Fawkner gathered together a band of volunteers to establish the Catholic Braille Writers Association. From these humble beginnings, Villa Maria has grown to become one of Victoria's largest not-for-profit providers of disability, education and senior services, with more than 60 programmes supporting over 5,000 people across metropolitan and regional Victoria.
Villa Maria offers series ranging from specialiast education and early childhood intervention for children with disabilities or developmental delays, to community based and in-home support services for older people and people with a disability, carer respite options and residential aged care.
While some of our work is supported by government funding, some of it is unfunded and dependent on donations from individuals, foundations and corporations.
Some innovative projects your donation will support include:
- The first purpose-built residence in Australia to accommodate 10 young people with complex care needs currently living in aged care homes.
- The Community Connectiones programme that provides vital support for carers in metro and regional areas.
- A new development in Wantirna that will meld traditional aged care with broader community care and involvement, providing a holistic approach to service delivery.
- Young Carers programme in the Hume region of Victoria for young people under 25 years who care for someone in their family who have a physical or mental illness or disability.
How will the funds be used?
- The first purpose-built residence for 10 young people with complex care needs is cutting edge in many ways. The model of care is new as it combines rehabilitation with high care support - it addresses the gap in the existing service system. The home will have spacious private and communal areas and innovative technological facilities to enhance independence. Most importantly, it will be a home that supports young people's social lives and community participation.
- Our Community Connectiones programme is a transformational programme bringing together carers and clients to support one another by sharing experiences and informatioin to enhance their skills, knowledge and confidence and provides an on-going friendship and support network. Community Connections operates in both metropolitan and regional Victoria.
- Villa Maria staff developed the Young Carers programme in consultation with young carers. It aims to engage young people in art therapy and the 'Horses for Hope' programme o assist them to express the emotions hey are dealing with their caring roles, as well as to build networks with other young participants.
Into the future...
Villa Maria faces a future if ever-increasing need for our essential
services. We face a future that will demand specialised services be
made available to a far wider community geographically.
The Communit Connections programme's expansion in rural areas has been
particularly beneficial in assisting carers who are dealing with the
impact of the drought in addition to issues of social isolation and
limited resources.
As is widely known, there is a growing proportion and number of older
Australians in the population. One consequence of this demographic
trend has been an increase in the numbers of older Australians needing
care and support to stay home and the last two decades have seen a
growth in community care services to support people in their homes
(AIHW, 2007)
The number of older Australians aged 85 years and over, among whom the
need for services and assistance is greatest, doubled over the past 20
years and is projected to increase more rapidly than other age groups.
In Victoria approximately a quarter of the population is based in
remote areas. Indeed ABS data suggests that in Victoria there are a
higher number of older adults in regional areas (relative to younger
adults) than in metropolitan areas (ABS 2008) and projections indicate
that this trend is likely to come more pronounced over the next 10 to
20 years (Deacon 200).
Key Areas of Expenditure
Are donations tax deductible? Yes
Will I receive a receipt for my donation?
Yes, immediately sent to you by email when approved.
Donate to Villa Maria General Appeal
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Private Bag 20
KEW VIC 3101
