Menzies Inc- How you helped to make an impact

In December 2008, Menzies Inc was awarded a grant from United Way Melbourne, to purchase materials and supplies for their Creative Arts Animal Assisted Therapy program.

The program is aimed at children between the ages of 8 and 12, who have been exposed to family violence, abuse and neglect and involves the thoughtful use of animals in a therapeutic setting by a trained clinician.

Mary Beth Melton, Manager of Therapeutic, Educational and Community Services, says that the grant has had a huge impact on the participants.

"There are currently 28 young people participating in the program which runs for 2 hours per week for 10 weeks.  Feedback from the participants and parents has been very positive with many parents noting that they have seen a huge improvement in their child's behaviour and social interaction skills" she said.

Menzies Inc, a not for profit organisation, provides a broad range of innovative programs and services designed to equip young people who can no longer live with their natural families with the life skills they need to lead independent, fulfilled lives.

Volunteering at Lighthouse

Lighthouse Foundation provides support for homless young people who come from a background of long-term neglect and abuse by accommodating them in suburban houses around Melbourne.

The typical house caters for up to four young people and is managed by an experienced carer who provides physical and emotional support, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

Research into youth homelessness shows that if young people are offered a safe physical environment, with adult role models, and a range of clinical and occupational services, they can begin to rebuild their self-identity and learn new ways of relating to others.

Cameron Glover, Manager of Volunteer Services at Lighthouse says that the success of their organisation is largely due to the commitment of volunteers from both within their organisation as well as from the corporate sector.

"Lighthouse has benefited from a number of volunteer activities arranged by the team at United Way Melbourne.  One-off projects, such as a recent backyard blitz completed by Colliers International at our Cheltenham property, are invaluable to us as it allows for tasks to be completed much quicker than normal resources allow" he said.

Kate Murphy, Corporate Partnerships Manager said "Volutneering gives participants a greater understanding of the work Lighthouse does for youth homelessness.  Raising awareness of youth issues is vital and if each person who participates in a volunteering day can take greater knowledge and understanding from the activity then that is pleasing to witness."

A participant in the volunteering project from Colliers International remarked that "Taking part in the day was really fulfilling.  It was a great opportunity to contribute back to the community and to work with my colleagues toward a common goal outside the office.  We all felt a real sense of achievement at the end of the day looking back at all the work we have done.  We really made a difference!"