Congratulations to all organisations that were successful in their application for a Small Grant from the Mercy Foundation. We look forward to hearing about their progress and will keep you informed about the outcomes achieved. A selection of those projects supported are detailed below.

 We received many worthwhile applications making the selection process difficult. We thank all our applicants for taking the time to apply for a small grant and we are heartened by the many small groups working to make a positive contribution to their community and to social justice in Australia. We wish all our applicants the very best for the future.

 

Keep an eye on our website for news about our Small Grants program at the end of July.

 

This unique financial literacy course is targeted to women who have experienced domestic violence. These women will develop valuable skills such as dealing with debt and poverty traps; information about banks; Centrelink issues; develop financial literacy. The course is aimed at women of all age groups and diverse backgrounds who want to gain confidence, skills and knowledge towards financial independence.

 

This holiday program was set up for the remote community of Binjari, 25km west of Katherine. The program will provide a much needed opportunity for local children, youth and families to engage in activities over the long Christmas break. This will also provide families or individuals in need of assistance the opportunity to interact with local service providers. Additionally, the program will help increase the level of community independence and offer leadership opportunities for members of the Binjari community.

 

 

The House of Welcome provides support and temporary housing for asylum seekers and refugees. This needy group require up to date information about services, government regulation and policy and other needs specifically relating to refugees and asylum seekers. Funding will cover the costs of a quarterly newsletter, translated to both Arabic and Dari.

 

This project funds a series of workshops for disadvantaged parents and children to help develop early numeracy, literacy and social skills. Community elders are engaged to act as consultants for these sessions. The project will assist in the development of parental skills. Many of these mums are young and still in school, requiring assistance in managing the school/parenting balance.

 

This grant covers the cost of on-site interpreters for asylum seeking women with complex cases. Previous experience shows that onsite interpreters result in a much higher quality of information as a result of the establishment of trust and a more respectful and personal process. The information disclosed is often of a highly sensitive nature. This interview is crucial to their refugee determination process and for the provision of appropriate counselling.

 

Sages Cottage Farm
Sages Cottage Farm is located in Baxter, Victoria. This grant supports the Community Kitchen Garden, which provides therapy and skills training to disadvantaged women and children in the area. This grant will enable the program to be extended to two disability groups from the Narranga Special School.

 

An on-site art therapy project will strengthen social ties and self esteem for women from disadvantaged backgrounds. The program will be run by a qualified art therapist and provide women with the opportunity to develop their creative abilities in a supportive, friendly environment. Previous Art therapy projects supported by the Mercy Foundation have delivered many benefits to those involved. 

 

Males in Black (MiB)
MiB is conducting Back to Bush camps as part of a strategy to re-establish traditional cultural links and the role between old and young indigenous males. On these camps, both groups will have the opportunity to interact and share information and knowledge. By its presence in the community and through its activities MiB is striving to improve physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing of indigenous males.