Funding secures future of hub for vulnerable families in crisis

Hand Heart Pocket the Charity of Freemasons Queensland recently provided $800,000 in support made up of a $400,000 Significant Grant and $400,000 interest-free loan towards the purchase of the building, which Micah Projects has leased since 2017.

The plan is to continue helping vulnerable young families in crisis on Brisbane’s southside have access to vital support services, break down barriers and create their own futures. The Micah Projects are getting the keys to their Wellspring Hawthorne Hub.

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 was the catalyst in enabling the organisation to realise its vision for the hub.

“There is no other service like it anywhere in the state and the purchase of this building means that we now have a permanent home,” Karyn said. “It will allow us to meet the increasing demand for our services in the region. 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, Karyn said, 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 laygroups whilst the upstairs floor provides space for visiting specialists and community services.The hub can also be hired by community groups.

Hand Heart Pocket Chief Executive Officer Gary Mark said the initiative aligns with the Freemason charity’s refined philanthropic approach to help improve outcomes for young people at risk.

“Our refined focus was launched late last year and has seen Hand Heart Pocket commit to supporting programs and initiatives that help to improve outcomes for young people at risk for at least the next three years,” Mark said. “Meeting the needs of contemporary families is also a key focus of ours, as well as supporting initiatives that improve women’s physical and financial security.

“We are proud to have provided this funding on behalf of the Freemasons of Queensland in support of Micah Projects vital work to help vulnerable families in crisis to overcome the challenges they face and go on to lead independent lives,” he said.

Pearl Dy

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Pearl Dy is a community manager and journalist. She is passionate about business and development particularly involving not-for-profits, charity and social entrepreneurship.

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