LIONS inplace Inc YOUR PROJECT, FOR YOUR COMMUNITY. You can t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else.

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1 LIONS inplace Inc YOUR PROJECT, FOR YOUR COMMUNITY You can t get very far until you start doing something for somebody else. (Melvin Jones)

2 Lions inplace Inc (formerly Lions Emergency Accommodation Centre Inc), has been operating since 1979 to support individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of homelessness, or escaping domestic and family violence. During this time, the service has earned high regard in the community. We have received enormous support from Lions, Lioness and Leos Clubs from Districts 201Q3 and 201Q4 since Many of these Lions members have been involved for a great number of years, particularly in the governance of the service through the Management Committee. The work and dedication of members has made an incredible difference to the lives of thousands of men, women and children, and has made Lions a leader in our state in responding to issues of homelessness and domestic and family violence. A brief history of the involvement of Lions In the early 1970 s, it was becoming evident to people working in government, charitable and service organisations in the Queensland community, that homelessness was not only growing but changing in its constitution. Trends pointed to shifts within community structures and a fragile societal safety net, which placed families and young people at particular risk. The Lions organisation was proactive in sharing the disquiet about the immediate suffering and longterm consequences of homelessness for people. In 1978, when the Commonwealth Government advertised that funding was available to community organisations for a three year pilot program to tackle homelessness and combat its growth, the Nambour Lions Club indicated its concern and willingness to undertake the project. After consultation wi th staff of the relevant state department, a submission was made to the Queensland Government to provide accommodation a nd support services for families who were homeless. The service has grown from these humble beginnings to further meet the challenges and complexities that have continued to face people who are disadvantaged and in need. Lions inplace Inc has been a project of 201Q3 and 201Q4 since The service is proud to have members as partners in achieving our Mission. Picture (above): The refurbished counselling room, a project undertaken with the support of Lions Clubs, has enabled people accessing the service to be welcomed in a trauma safe environment.

3 Did you know that Lions inplace Inc is a statewide service? Lions inplace Inc receives referrals from around the state for domestic and family violence and homelessness services. We service people from all Queensland communities with accommodation and support, as well as emergency relief and early intervention services. Services include: A purpose-built domestic and family violence shelter Peggy s Place for single women and women with children escaping gendered violence referral through DV Connect The Terrace units for single men with contact arrangements with children, single women and small families Generalist homelessness accommodation in the Nambour community for couples with children, women with children, single women and single men with overnight contact with children Units specifically modified for people with a disability who are homeless or experiencing domestic and family violence Professional case management support by qualified Key Workers and Intake Workers Keys to Early Intervention in Homelessness Service operates in partnership with other providers in hubs located in Deception Bay, Caboolture, Maroochydore, Nambour, Gympie and Caloundra Better Start Program - a one worker program funded by Lions. which assists families in their homes to promote practical household and parenting skills and to provide early holistic early intervention/prevention support Emergency relief provider to respond to material aid needs such as food, clothing, rents, utilities and emergency medical expenses. Picture (above): President Ron Hilton with Independent Peter Wellington MP at the Lions inplace Inc AGM

4 Statistical snapshot In 2015, the total number of people serviced by the centre over a 36 year period was 11, 301 In the 2015/2016 financial year, the service assisted: 298 men, women and children with housing and support 86 women and children with domestic and family violence refuge housing and support 189 people with early intervention support to sustain their current housing, thus preventing homelessness

5 Homelessness and domestic violence are growing issues in our communities. Every day, the service has to turn people away due to lack of vacancies in our emergency accommodation. People who contact us are often sleeping with children in highly unsuitable conditions - in tents, cars, toilet blocks, on beaches and couch surfing. Lions inplace Inc provides emergency relief, emotional and practical support to people who are homeless, as well as ongoing support to find emergency accommodation vacancies state wide, to address any immediate crisis and safety needs and to access services and resources in the community. Our service appreciates your ongoing support to continue to address this high level of disadvantage in our community. Donations Lions inplace Inc relies on the generous financial support of Lions clubs to assist us with the cost of providing supports to clients that are not covered by government grants. Your club s ongoing support is vital to the success of Lions inplace Inc, so that we can continue to deliver vital services to people who are vulnerable, and so that they can achieve social inclusion and justice in their communities. All donations are receipted and are independently audited. Donations are utilised in ways that preserve the dignity of the people receiving our services, and are always used for the greatest advantage of those we serve. Items that we utilise your donation to purchase, include: -children s uniforms and school items -materials for children s therapeutic activities and group work for adults -assistance with furnishing and minor maintenance of our accommodation -assistance with costs for people to access employment and training, and therefore sustain housing into the future -outings and celebrations for individuals and families accessing the service -contribution to salary of the Better Start Early Intervention program social worker -operational expenses not covered by government funding -school related activities eg camps, sporting events -mattresses, linen and pillows -small appliances eg toasters, kettles, frypans (these need to be tested and tagged if received second hand) Lions inplace Inc can be contacted on or at administration@inplace.org.au. Our public office is located at 16 Carroll Street, Nambour Qld If you would like to contact the CEO, or you would like someone from the service to speak about domestic and family violence and homelessness or this Project, please Deb Blakeney on ceo@inplace.org.au Contact us If you own a business and can assist us with sponsorships, or you can donate goods/services for fundraisers, please contact our Administrator Margie Hooper on or accounts@inplace.org.au