The organisation has been delivering a range of food security and social inclusion programs. Over the past three years Baptcare awarded Urban Seed with a $40,000 annual sum to assist with the growth of their facilities and program management, so that they could deliver life changing services to the community.

Urban Seed, which delivers programs across Melbourne, Wangaratta and now Norlane, provides lifestyle and personal support through a huge array of events and groups. Programs include Monday night community meals, men’s breakfasts, gardening groups and a community pantry.

Program Team Leader, Kaylene Reeves said thanks to the Baptcare grant, Urban Seed has begun a kids and families program that brings vulnerable families together for a meal.

“The program's focus is on developing their skills in and the enjoyment of raising kids together,” Kaylene said.

Urban Seed CEO David Wilson said the Baptcare grant has given them the stability to plan and develop their organisation for the long term. Through the grant, the programs have flourished and brought the Norlane community together in a safe environment.

“As a result of the grants we have seen the establishment of a genuine and stable community through our programs,” David said.

Urban Seed's efforts in Norlane have had a profound effect on the community. Norlane resident, Carol* has benefited from the programs at Urban Seed by finding a place where she feels like she belongs. Carol is a volunteer with Urban Seed and only after taking a break from volunteering as a result of an injury, did the she realise the impact Urban Seed had on her life.

“She had purpose and direction in her life. She had a reason to get up in the morning and she had made great friends,” Urban Seed Fundraising Officer, David Cook said.

Through the money provided by Baptcare, Urban Seed has been able to bring together a community and secure the future of its programs.

“Baptcare has helped us to ignite and boost our programs, and we look forward to being able to continue to work effectively in developing a community in our neighborhood,” Kaylene concluded.

Learn more about Urban Seed here

Source: BUV News

More than 30 Baptist leaders from around Australia are in Canberra this week calling for action to stem the rising tide of violence against women.

“We’re meeting with federal parliamentarians and senators to let them know that Baptist churches and other agencies want to see a safer and more inclusive world for women,” said Keith Jobberns, National Ministries Director of Australian Baptist Ministries.

“There’s a huge amount of work being done around domestic and family violence in Australia. This is great and necessary, but our workers on the frontline are saying that all this effort still isn’t keeping women safe.

“All the awareness raising of recent years has increased demand on services as more women escape from violent and abusive relationships.

“This was expected, but unfortunately resources haven’t been able to keep up with demand.

“We are seeing an urgent need for housing and employment services for women and children leaving violent situations. We need action now from all governments to take responsibility for protecting the lives of these women and children. Without a safe place to live some have little choice but to return to unsafe situations.

“Equally importantly, most women leave with nothing, and they need support to find flexible employment opportunities so they can rebuild their lives.

”Baptist community agencies and local churches are playing their part, and we are in Canberra to ask the federal government to help meet this growing need,” Mr Jobberns said.

Baptist leaders will also be raising the issues of violence against refugee women, and violence against female workers overseas producing consumer goods for the Australian market.

Delegations attending meetings will include local Baptist pastors, state and national leaders of the Baptist denomination and representatives of Baptist Care organisations and Baptist World Aid.

Local Baptist churches support their communities through kids clubs, child care centres, youth groups, playgroups, men’s sheds, and seniors groups. Agencies in the Baptist Care network provide aged care services as well as supporting people fleeing domestic violence, those impacted by homelessness and addiction, and families and children. Baptist World Aid Australia is a DFAT-accredited aid and development agency operating in more than 18 countries around the world.

Source: BUV News