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St
Mary's House provides
a number of services and runs a variety of activities throughout the
week,
to which all are welcome. The areas in which St Mary's House offers
assistance are:
- Adult Learning
- Advocacy
- Assessments
- Case management
- Casework
- Chatterbox Programme
- English Conversation Classes
- Fundraising
- Hospitality
- Information
- Pastoral Home Visits
- Playgroup
- Referrals
- Resources
- Student Placement
- Volunteer Opportunities
ENGLISH CONVERSATION CLASSES
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A large number of adults from different
cultural backgrounds regularly come to the Centre to learn English and
to enjoy the company of others. Some have been in Australia for several
years and have never had the opportunity to learn or practice English.
Attendants range from new arrivals to seventeen year olds.
The
classes continue to keep 15 volunteer
tutors and more than 40 students both busy and happy. The tutors also
give
extra time and effort to attend occasional training workshops at the
Centre.
These training sessions are presented by professional trainers from
Mission
Australia, North West Community College and Adult Migration Education
Programme (AMEP).
The English conversation and literacy classes
are run every Thursday and Friday afternoon.
SOCIAL SERVICES
Particular needs of
individuals are met
as far as possible through referral to counselling or welfare agencies,
advocacy and mediation centres, community housing and health centres.
Support is also given to those seeking
advice about schooling, TAFE and various government entitlements.
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English
student Frank
with Holy Spirit,
Lakemba students, taking part in the Community Harmony Programme
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DROP-IN CENTRE
Everyday, a number of
people drop in to
St Mary's House, usually women either expecting their first child or
who
already have children, wanting basic essentials. People also request help in regards to
going
to court, filling out forms, advocacy help and services and learning
English.
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AFFORDABLE HOUSING
Another project of St
Mary's is the Housing
Programme. Several years ago the Sisters of Mercy purchased a few houses
in the local area to accommodate women and their children who were in
special
need of housing for a limited time.
St Mary's House has a partnership with Cumberland Housing who has made available three units to assist with St Mary's House. These mothers and their children welcome the pastoral support that St Mary's House offers.
St Mary's maintains contact with these
tenants through regular visits and invitations to participate in the
Centre's
activities.
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Margaret
and Leilani,
volunteer outreach workers
supporting the tenants in housing units
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CHATTERBOX PROGRAMME
This programme is held on Thursday and Friday mornings. They are for parents/carers and their children who are ready for formal schooling in the next couple of years. Adults and children learn separately then come together for some activities. Oftentimes this is the first time that the child speaks English outside the home as well as be separated from their parent/carer.
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