Continuity of support for vulnerable families in crisis

Micah Projects Grant Celebration Event Large

Vulnerable young families in crisis on Brisbane’s southside continue to have access to vital support services to break down barriers and create their own futures, with philanthropic support having secured Micah Project’s Wellspring Hub in Hawthorne earlier this year.

The partnership between Micah Projects and Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland was formally acknowledged last month, some three months after the grant-making foundation provided $800,000 in support. This support consisted of a $400,000 Significant Grant and $400,000 interest-free loan towards the purchase of the building which the non-profit had leased since 2017.

The Wellspring hub provides holistic support including early childhood education and care, support groups and wrap-around services for vulnerable families with children under six years of age and are experiencing homelessness or domestic violence or who are going through the family court, justice or child protection systems.

Micah Projects Chief Executive Officer Karyn Walsh said the funding had catalysed their vital work, enabling the organisation to realise its vision for the hub.

“The purchase of this building means that we now have a permanent home here on the southside,” Karyn said.

“It has also allowed us to meet the increasing demand for our services in the region, which was on the rise even before COVID hit. Now with restrictions eased, our hub is open again, and we are in a better position to assist these families.

“Our evidence-based approach has shown to significantly improve family life for our clients with support to secure housing and employment as well as access to healthcare and to build strong support networks to reduce social isolation.

“It also gives the children a firm foundation and a better start in life, reducing the impact of trauma that they may have experienced.”

The hub is divided into two floors, with the lower floor dedicated to childcare and supported playgroups whilst the upstairs floor provides space for visiting specialists and community services. The hub can also be hired by community groups.

Hand Heart Pocket Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Qualtrough said meeting the needs of contemporary families and communities was central to the Freemason charity’s work.

“This partnership aligns with our broader, overarching philanthropic focus of improving outcomes for the community,” Mr Qualtrough said.

“Through our support, Micah Projects will be able to continue helping vulnerable families in crisis, to break down barriers and build support networks so that they can have hope for their futures, which is now more important than ever, given the added pressure that the COVID-19 pandemic has put on these families.

“We are delighted to have provided this funding to Micah Projects on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland.”

To find out more about Micah Projects, please visit www.micahprojects.org.au

Photo: Councillor for Morningside Cr. Kara Cook, Hand Heart Pocket Champion and Freemason representative Thomas Christensen, Hand Heart Pocket board member Jane Crombie, Hand Heart Pocket Acting Chief Executive Officer Robert Qualtrough, Micah Projects Chief Executive Officer Karyn Walsh and Micah Projects board member Damien Atkinson QC.

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