REACHING FOR DREAMS

As we approach Christmas we reflect on the year that was. I think of achievements like the NDIS, the great awareness spread through media around Mental Health Week in October and important funds raised for Australian mental health research. There was also more distressing news on increasing levels of homelessness; our Government continuing to reject those making a desperate journey to our shores by sea; and Australia as a country being marched off to another war.

While it is easy to get overwhelmed by the social and political struggles of our country, I am constantly reminded of the strength that endures in the community.

Thanks to generous Samaritans supporters like you, we were able to celebrate our 30th anniversary this year. Since our beginnings in 1984 supporting a small number of families in need, we have grown exponentially to offer compassion, opportunity and a hand up to thousands of people every year.

May I wish you and yours a happy and healthy Christmas.

A WORD FROM CEC

30 YEARS OF SUPPORT INOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

As you might have read in our last newsletter, Samaritans held a number of celebrations this year to mark our 30 year anniversary.

ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATIONS

CAPTION: Clockwise from top left- Samaritans retail store volunteers enjoy the Volunteer Morning Tea; Staff from the Samaritans-led service, headspace Maitland receive an award at the Staff Awards Night; The crocheted kneeler that was blessed at a special Evensong at Christ Church Cathedral; Samaritans disability staff from Raymond Terrace receive an award at the Staff Awards Night; Volunteer Coordinator Ashleigh Rayner (left) enjoys the Volunteer Morning Tea with long-serving volunteer Pat Korsman; Central Coast youth & family staff receive recognition at the Staff Awards Night.

Heatha, right, with her Support Worker, Maddy.

We’re proud to share the stories that supporters like you have helped us achieve.

CHRISTMAS 2014

The Samaritans Foundation is the social welfare arm of the Anglican Church in the Hunter, Manning & Central Coast.

INSIDE: Anniversary Celebrations | Reaching for Dreams | Christmas Activities 2014

CONNECTIONS

30 YEARS OF SUPPORT INOUR LOCAL COMMUNITY

I come to Samaritans every Friday and do computers, I do voluntary work and I also work at the Samaritans café. It’s good fun. I’ve really got a passion to work in a coffee shop.

When I first began with Samaritans I was a bit shy, timid, I lived in my shadow a bit. I’ve really come forward now, I’m definitely more confident.

The staff at Samaritans are like family – once you meet one you want to meet all of them!

The NDIS has given me more variety in what I’m learning. I enjoy choosing what I want to learn. Mum says I learn more now than I ever did when I was younger, mainly because I can choose what I’m interested in.

If I had advice for others like me I’d say reach for your dreams. That’s what I’m doing.

MEET HEATHA

Mr Mrs Ms Other | Name:

Address:

Postcode: Phone: Email:

I would like to donate: $25 $50 $70 Other: $Enclosed is my: Cheque Money Order MasterCard Visa

Card No.Credit Card deduction: Once Only Monthly Quarterly

Signature: Expiry Date: /

Donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. A receipt for your generous donation will be mailed to you.Cheques should be made payable to: Samaritans Foundation. Thank you.

I have previously donated to Samaritans.

Please contact me with information on how to make a Bequest.

Support Samaritans Christmas Appeal.Just $25 can make

a difference.Please give what you can at

www.samaritans.org.au/donate

phone 1300 656 336 or post to PO Box 366, HRMC NSW 2310

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Samaritans Foundation – Diocese of Newcastle36 Warabrook Boulevard, Warabrook NSW 2304 PO Box 366, Hunter Region Mail Centre NSW 2310P: 02 4960 7100 F: 02 4960 7160 E: mail@samaritans.org.au

Samaritans recognises and values the right to privacy. In accordance with Australian Privacy Laws, Samaritans has taken all reasonable steps to protect the privacy of our clients, our associations and our staff. If you do not wish to receive future issues of the Samaritans newsletter, please contact Samaritans Communications Department on 1300 656 336.

This is a courtesy to let you know earlier this year the Privacy Amendment (Enhancing Privacy Protection) Act 2012 made changes to Australia’s privacy laws.At Samaritans we are committed to maintaining and protecting your privacy. Consequently, Samaritans has updated its Privacy Policy to reflect the new laws and the Australian Privacy Principles.

We wanted to take the opportunity to remind you:

• As a supporter or donor of Samaritans we have your information on file.

• Your information is stored in a secure database and credit card information is encrypted.

• You will always have an opportunity to opt out of receiving correspondence.

• If you do not wish to be identified, you have the right to donate anonymously.

• Samaritans will give you access to your personal information on request.

• Samaritans will not on-sell or provide your private information to third parties.

For more information view our privacy policy at www.samaritans.org.au. If you have concerns you can contact our complaints officer at PO Box 366 HRMC 2310 or on 1300 656 336.

PRIVACY CHANGES

It is thanks to supporters like you that we can continue the work we do. To those who so generously donate to us and to our appeals, we thank you.

IT’S ALL THANKS TO YOU!

We’d also like to thank our major corporate supporters for 2014:

THIS CHRISTMAS WE WILL HAVE PROVIDED:

Thank you for helping us spread the joy of christmas!

1490 VOUCHERS to struggling families

5220 GIFTS to local children

1350 MEALS AND COMPANY to those who would have spent christmas alone