2014 - vass€¦ · 28th annual report 2014 head office c1, 1-13 the gateway, broadmeadows, vic....

28th

ANNUAL REPORT2014

[email protected]

Victorian Arabic Social Services28th Annual Report 2014

Head OfficeC1, 1-13 The Gateway,Broadmeadows, Vic. 3047Tel: (03) 9359 2861Fax: (03) 9359 2899Email: [email protected]

Newport Sub-office16 Oxford StreetNewport, Vic. 3015Tel: (03) 9391 0195Fax: (03) 9391 0197

Dandenong Sub-officeSouth Eastern MRC:Level 1, 314 Thomas StreetDandenongPostal Address:PO Box 1139Dandenong, Vic. 3175Tel: (03) 9767 1995Fax: (03) 9706 8830

The Victorian Arabic Social Services is a public benevolent institution with Deductable Gift Recipient status. Donations made to VASS over $2 are tax deductable.

Annual report compiled and edited byEvelyn Dowling

Designed and printed atMinuteman Press Broadmeadows

VASS 28th Annual Report

Publication Serial Number: 978-0-9579376-4-2


About VASS

VASS Services

Chairperson’s Report

VASS Staff

Board of Management

VASS CEO Report

VASS College of Vocational Education

Family Support ServicesParenting Skill & Play Group Program

ENTEMAA

Youth ServicesA.R.A.B. Anti Racism Action Band

ZajalArabic Youth Radio

Aged Care ServicesPAG Planned Activity Group

VSSP Volunteer Social Support ProgramAccess and Support Program

Settlement Services

Building Bridges

Tax HELP Program

Students & Volunteers

Looking Forward & Future ProjectsCommunity Visitor’s Scheme

Win Back Your Life

Financial Report

Minutes of 2013 VASS Annual General Meeting

VASS Membership Application or Renewal Form

Publication Order Form

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VASS Mission

The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) is dedicated to addressing the social, cultural and welfare needs of the Arabic Speaking Background (ASB) communities in Victoria.

Our Vision

Our vision is for a more inclusive Victorian community that values the strengths of Victoria’s vibrant and diverse ASB communities.

Organisational Values

communities by remaining non-political, non-religious, non-sectarian and inclusive of all ASB community groups.

regional diversity of ASB communities.

that bind members of the 22 Arabic speaking countries located in the world.

development principles which aim to develop the citizenship status of ASB communities through improved access to services, decision making and civic participation.

Victorian Charter of Human Rights and Responsibilities.

مهمتنانفسها سرسرس ركرك ت فيكتوريا يف تك فيكتوريا يف ك العربية االجت�عية الخدمات إن

ة االحتياجات الثقافيةجة االحتياجات الثقافيةجة االحتياجات الثقافية واالجت�عية و اإلنعاش االجت�عي جالجال العالع عملعمل

للجاليات الناطقة بالعربية يف فيكتوريا.

رؤيتنانسعى إليجاد مجمتع أك� شمولية يقدر نقاط قوة املجتمعات

الناطقة بالعربية يف فيكتوريا وتنوعها وحيويتها.

منايمنايمنا ق يقيق

الناطقة الجاليات أفراد جميع لخدمة نسعى بل بعينها.

بالعربية يف فيكتوريا عىل اختالف مللهم ومشاربهم.

األصولية العربية

222222

الناطقة باللغة العربية.

من بالعربية الناطقة الجاليات مواطنة مواطنة نة منزلة تطور تطوإىل إىل بالقرارات واملساهمة الخدمات إىل الوصول تحس® خالل

واملشاركة املدنية.

اإلنسان. ومسؤوليات


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Mission & Values

Victorian Arabic Social Services28th Annual Report 2014 3

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Family Services

individuals.

those dealing with problem gambling and other addictive behaviours, domestic violence.

appropriate and culturally relevant.

Refugee and Settlement Services

to cultivate self-reliance and accelerated integration into wider Australian society.

providers.

to raise awareness of funded projects.

mainstream service providers, such as Adult

to create a greater understanding of new arrivals and their needs.

Special Humanitarian Program Entrants who �t CCS eligibility criteria.

Aged Care Services

(HACC) to assist older persons to live and be supported in the home and community setting.

to increase access of Arabic Speaking Communities to Aged Care Facilities.

provide social support and respite to older persons.

Youth Services

young people’s employment prospects and in advancing their educational aspirations.

and skill development activities aimed at promoting civic participation and a sense of inclusion.

prevention and community safety, leadership development and media training.

activities and programs for young men and women.

community development, youth performing arts project.

Other Services and Activities

and events concerning ASB communities in partnership with a range of service providers, government, and businesses.

placements.

those dealing with domestic violence, problem gambling and other addictive behaviours

• Supported Access Project (SAP) Explores and developes mechanisms that will assist Home and Community Care (HACC) eligible people from Arabic Speaking Background (ASB) and Assyrian & Chaldean communities that require extra support to acceess and negotiate HACC and other related services.

• Cummunity Partners Program (CPP) to increase access of Arabic Speaking Communities to Aged Care Facilities.

• Volunteer Social Support Program (VSSP) to provide social support and respite to older persons.


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Looking back on the past year at Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS), I feel proud of the many achievements that have been made by the hard work of staff members, board members, volunteers, students, and the clients themselves. It is the combined efforts of all of these groups that have brought about positive changes for individuals and communities. As ever, VASS has responded to community needs and has expanded its services accordingly, with a physical expansion of services across the State, as well as servicing an increasingly diverse client group from a range of backgrounds such as Iranian, Turkish, Kurdish and Horn of Africa, as well as people of Arabic speaking and Assyrian Chaldean backgrounds.

I am very pleased to report on a major achievement at VASS this year: becoming a Registered Training Organisation! The registration of VASS College of Vocational Education heralds a new era for the Victorian Arabic Social Services, and allows VASS to further empower the community through education. This is just one example of the ways in which VASS is taking new directions in response to the needs of the community.

Chairperson’s Report


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This past year has also seen the forging of a number of new networks and partnerships with other organisations and groups, as well as the strengthening of existing inter-agency bonds. Some of the agencies and networks VASS has worked with on delivering projects to the community include: the University of Melbourne, Ethnic Communities’ Council of Victoria (ECCV), and Alzheimer’s Australia (Victoria), to name a few. Other agencies and networks VASS has worked with this year include: Centrelink, Child Protection, Kildonan Uniting Care, HACC Social Support Alliance and many more. On behalf of VASS I wish to extend my gratitude to these agencies and networks for their support of VASS and their role in achieving positive outcomes for clients and the community. I hope that we will continue to form new partnerships and strengthen existing ones into the future.

VASS also works closely with all levels of government: Federal, State and local – including City of Hume, City of Darebin, City of Moreland, City of Hobson’s Bay, City of Casey and the City of Greater Dandenong. VASS is extremely grateful to the following agencies and bodies who have provided much needed funding for VASS services:

• Department of Social Services (DSS)

• Department of Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs (FaHCSIA)

• Department of Health

• Department of Human Services

• Carers Victoria

• Lentara Uniting Care

• University of Melbourne

• City of Casey

• Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation

• Matana Foundation

• Australian Art Council

• City of Greater Dandenong

Lastly, I wish to extend my thanks and gratitude to all of the Board of Management, VASS staff members, volunteers, students, guests and members for the time and energy they have put in this year to support VASS in its endeavours. Without your hard work we would not be able to celebrate all that we have achieved. I hope you have enjoyed your experience at VASS as much as we appreciate it. I look forward to working with you and celebrating our successes into the future.

Ali Mustapha


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Broadmeadows Head Office

CEOLeila Alloush

Disability and Aged Care WorkerMesko Ayouz

Disability and Aged Care WorkerLina K.Hassan

Aged Care Support WorkerSiba Chahal

Aged Care CoordinatorEvelyn Dowling

RTO Compliance OfficerKawthar Yakan

Family Services CoordinatorShireen Francis

Youth and Family Support WorkerZaynab Abdulwahed

Youth and Family Support WorkerSarah Taleb

Youth and Family Support WorkerShereen Issa

Project ManagerReta Ando

Project Coordinator – Anti-Racism Action BandSarah Mcdonald

Project Support WorkerMaliheh Saeedi

Counselling and Support WorkerOlivia Hanna

ConsultantLisa Tribuzio

ConsultantMouna Fouda

Family and Child Services ConsultantLaila Taha

Radio Program CoordinatorAdibeh Abdo-Attia

Media and Marketing ConsultantZeinab Alloush

Newport Sub-Office

Aged Care & Dissability Worker Laila Houli

South East Dandenong Office

Office and Projects CoordinatorIman Allaf

Project worker & Assyrian Chaldean Women’s Group Facilitator Manehel Hurmez

Project worker & Arabic Women’s Group Facilitator Maisaa Olabi

Students

VASS would like to extend its gratitude to the following students and volunteers for their hard work in the past financial year. VASS recognises the importance of the diverse fields and expertise in which these students have offered to our organisation.

Nejla SelbibegKirsten GordonManal AbbasSiba ChahalRenae Choucair Ruqiah OsmanJumana El HelweMelika SaeediNasser PourtaeiHoda AtiyehMay HatahetEmna HaouliFatima Al-BoarabFadima AdeniIdora MikhaeelDebbie McLaughlinSanaa SalibMounira Yousif

Victorian Arabic Social Services Staff List

Ali Mustapha Chairperson

Samira Zeno Secretary

Fataoum SoukiMember

Leila AlloushVASS CEO

Yousef IssaMember

Yousif DawoodMember

Mohamad Elturabi Member

Zahra Baho Member

Mohammad DahdouliVice Chairperson

Mohamad Alman Member

Sherin AhmadTreasurer

Omar Tabiaat Member


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The past year at the Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) has been an eventful one with many successes, as well as challenges which face any organisation that strives to grow and improve its services as VASS does. It is these challenges that highlight the successes. I would like to extend a big-thank you to all staff, volunteers, students, members and the Board of Management for their efforts throughout the year. It is these efforts that have helped VASS overcome its challenges and achieve its successes.

VASS aims to improve the social and cultural wellbeing of the ASB community in Victoria through improved access to services, decision-making and civic participation. VASS provided a wide range of services and activities which included:

• Projects that strengthen community harmony

• Family Support Services

• Aged Care and Disability Social Support programs

• Settlement support programs

• Youth Services

• Leadership courses

• Individual casework

• A.R.A.B. (Anti-Racism Action Band) performing arts band to address racism amongst youth

• Cross cultural training


VASS CEO Report

Settlement Services: Program that promotes a smooth transition for newly arrived people to life in Australia and social inclusion, through mentoring, peer support and organised activities and programs targeting newly arrived migrants and refugees from Iranian and Arabic speaking communities.

Family Support and Strengthening Programs: VASS provides complex case management to families in crisis by providing information and advice, family counselling and parenting programs and playgroups.

Youth case management related to employment, education, mentoring and leadership courses.

Anti-Racism Action Band (ARAB) which consists of a group of ASB and other CALD youth trained in drama, workshop facilitation and performing arts to engage with other youth on combating racism and raising community awareness

Elderly Support Programs: A range of elderly support and social support programs across Melbourne regions. The programs seek to reduce social isolation, improve quality of life and foster independent living.

Arabic Speaking Background (ASB) Women Support: VASS provides ASB women’s support groups, counselling, referral, leadership training, and regular education and information sessions.

Disability and Carer Support Programs: A range of social support and respite programs as well as family casework.

Mediation: ASB mediators are available within VASS to assist members of the ASB communities with resolving disputes through mediation.

Individual casework: Assistance with forms, referrals, information provision, advocacy, counselling, and cultural support.

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This year has seen an expansion of VASS services physically and to an increasingly diverse client group, as well as many new programs and activities. One new beginning that I am very delighted about is VASS’ Registered Training Organisation – VASS College of Vocational Education (RTO No. 40936). I am excited at the opportunities that the College will present to VASS, individuals, and the community as a whole.

The future is looking bright for VASS, with a number of exciting programs about to begin. VASS has received funding for a program to support problem gamblers of Arabic speaking background and their families. Another upcoming program is the Community Visitor’s Scheme, linking socially isolated older people with a volunteer visitor.

I hope you enjoy reading about our achievements in the VASS 2013-2014 Annual Report, and hope that you will continue your support of our work and all we have contributed within the broader Australian community.

Thank you once again,

Leila Alloush VASS CEO

VASS College of Vocational Education


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VASS would like to announce the registration of its RTO - VASS College of Vocational Education, RTO ID No: 40936.

VASS College of Vocational Education prides itself on its ability to deliver the most current courses in a high quality standard. The College also prides itself on its capacity to tailor to the academic and educational needs of the community in order to ensure a successful, high standing community.

Courses currently available at the College:

CHC30113 - Certificate III in Childhood Education and Care

CHC50113 - Diploma of Childhood Education and Care

HLTAID004 - Provide an Emergency First Aid Response in an Education and Care Setting

More courses will be added to the scope of the College in the near future.

Any inquiries about our courses can be made through VASS College of Vocational Education, our contact details are below.

P: (03) 9359 2861

F: (03) 9369 2899

E: [email protected]

W: www.vasscollege.com.au

C2, 1-13 The Gateway, Broadmeadows, VIC 3047

Family Support Services


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The Family Support Services at VASS has continued to grow this year with another increase of clients in need of VASS services. The main outcome for the year has been increased client knowledge of children’s development and wellbeing, and improved knowledge of and access to Australian systems, such as the legal system.

This year VASS has focussed heavily on parents, children and mental health, as well as childhood development and adapting to life in a new culture. VASS has received a large influx of referrals from various agencies, including government agencies such as Child Protection. VASS has been both a first point of contact for CALD clients who face cultural and linguistic barriers, and a source of cultural support for clients who are already engaged with ‘mainstream’ services.

The Family Support program provides a number of different services that revolve around intake, referrals, direct service including ongoing client and case management and counselling, with a big emphasis on providing information and support to families from ASB speaking backgrounds through group information sessions. The information sessions have used the expertise of both VASS Family Support Workers, and external experts such as Maternal and Child Health Nurses. There have been a range of topics, such as adolescent violence, children’s development and mental health, the impact on children of witnessing domestic violence, the Australian legal system, appropriate disciplining and parenting in a new culture, and soothing techniques for infants.

VASS has received very positive feedback from the Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding the collaborative work that we have done with them, including increased engagement with existing clients following VASS involvement. There has also been positive feedback from the parents involved in the Family Services program, with parents reporting that they have increased understanding of their rights regarding domestic violence, and the impact on children of witnessing domestic violence, among other areas.

All VASS workers have Police and Working With Children checks and the Family Support program caters to a range of issues with families,

especially in ASB speaking communities. The roles of the Arabic Families Services Coordinator are, but not limited to:

• Case management of Families, including counselling and advocacy

• Coordinate the intake and referral of ASB families and individuals

• Network with stakeholders in support of ASB families

• Provision of workshops and forums addressing topics of importance to this target group and including participation from representative of other relevant

The following are the client numbers which VASS has served in the past financial year:

July - December 2013

January - June 2014

Adults (18+ years): 371 clients

Toddlers and babies (ages 0 – 5 years): 28 clients

Teenagers (ages 13 – 18 years): 23 clients

Teenagers (ages 13-18 years): 27 clients

Young children (ages 5 – 13 years): 25 clients

Young Children (ages 5-13 years): 35 clients

Toddlers and babies (ages 0 – 5 years): 28 clients

Toddlers and Babies (ages 0-5 years): 36 clients

Contact information:

For more information please contact Shireen Francis at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]


Parenting Skills & Play Group

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VASS facilitated Play Groups and Parenting Skills Program in the Hume, Casey and Dandenong regions this year. This was a program designed to improve family connectedness and capacities. The Parenting Skills program has empowered families from ASB communities to become further engaged with broader society through knowledge of the services and supports available to them, and has also facilitated collaboration and communication between parents and their children’s schools.

VASS’ playgroups in Casey and in Dandenong produced a booklet containing Arabic children’s songs. The hope is to make this resource available in local libraries.

The outcomes of the Play Group program were:

• Children were able to explore the world around them and play in a safe learning environment

• Improved communication

• Improved awareness and access to mainstream services

• Removal of isolation by allowing mothers to form new friendships with a common ground

• Removal of cultural and linguistic barriers

• Ensured that parents and children had increased connection and social networks


ENTEMAA

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Entemaa is a program which aims to promote social inclusion and wellbeing to isolated as well as newly arrived ASB families in the City of Hume, mainly those residing in Broadmeadows, Jacana, Dallas, Coolaroo, Craigieburn and Roxburgh Park.

The program offers a broad range of services and operates in a flexible way to adapt to the complex and changing needs of families involved. There were a variety of activities undertaken in this program, including: Parenting Group/ Parenting Information Sessions, assistance with settlement transitioning and engagement with schools, the School Holiday program, and short one-on-one case work.

The program has a collaborative approach to service delivery and works in an integrated service system approach working with families and linking them to a range of service providers, educational workshops and social and recreational activities to promote social inclusion, belonging and personal development.

Entemaa works towards ensuring that children have the best possible start in life by focussing on well-targeted early intervention approaches that bring about positive outcomes for vulnerable young children and their families.

The outcomes of the Entemaa program are:

• Supported families to improve their life opportunities in order to reduce barriers to effective parenting through early intervention

• Built capacity and confidence through strengths- based practice

• Provided services that were accessible to all target groups; including Indigenous families and children

• Provided affordable and fun educational, social and recreational activities during the school holiday period where families have expressed a need for these activities free of charge in a culturally sensitive environment

• Provided ongoing and regular complex case management support for families with complex needs

• Provided a meeting place for parents to connect with other parents within the community


For more information please contact Maliheh Saeedi at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

Project Objectives: to create safe spaces for young people to explore their identity through creative means, assist with settling into a new culture and facilitate opportunities for young people to use their creative talents to share their cultural heritage and their own personal stories.

The project is designed to be inclusive of young people from the diversity social fabric of the Arabic Speaking Background (ASB). As the program grew it also engaged young people from a variety of different backgrounds, including Greek, Tongan, Samoan, Iranian, Chinese, Vietnamese and Australian backgrounds.

A.R.A.B also uses the arts as a way to address the complex mental health issues facing the ASB communities and linked mental health workers and therapists and creative arts in the program design to help foster a space place for young people to share their stories and showcase them to the wider community with the aim of raising mental health issues relating to identity, belonging, self esteem and racism, depression and anxiety.

Some key activities of ARAB in the past year have been:

• Dance Off! Hip hop dance workshop series in at Centrestage in Brunswick

• Hume Secondary College Language Centre Theatre and Performance Poetry workshops with Full on Theatre. This involved a 10 week theatre and performance poetry course, incorporating English curriculum, for 15 Hume Secondary College students who had recently arrived

in Australia. It increased confidence, self esteem, social connectedness and English language skills for newly arrived students who had experienced trauma, loss and disrupted schooling.

• Young Men’s Leadership Mentoring Project at Hume Valley Secondary College. Ten young men aged 13 – 17 years attended four sessions over four weeks, where mentors assisted them to develop their own raps, poems and spoken word performances.

• Girls’ Fun Festival, an event that took place on December 18th 2013 at the Collingwood English Language School, which focused on the talents and capabilities of women. 30 women from a range of diverse backgrounds participated, with five female mentors.

• Sing it Sister! - a series of voice and digital media workshops for young women aged 13 – 20 years, which aimed to build their capacity, creativity and self-esteem.

• Beat It - a series of percussion workshops for young men aged 13 – 20 years, enabling them to express themselves through percussion.


For more information please contact Sarah Mcdonald and Lisa Tribuzio for more information at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

(A.R.A.B.)Anti-Racism Action Band

Youth Services


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Zajal

This year VASS’ ARAB program created and produced a DVD called ‘Zajal: The Art of Poetic Duel’. Zajal is an ancient form of improvised poetic duel that is used in a variety of social settings in the Middle East. The project was funded by the Australian government through the Australia Council, and the result was a one hour documentary on the origins of Zajal in the Middle East, through to its contemporary uses and forms both overseas and in Australia, such as rap battles.

The project aims to honour and acknowledge Zajal and provide a greater window into understanding, appreciation and respect for Arabic culture more broadly. It aimed to dispel myths about Arabic people and provide much needed positive cultural representation and affirmation.

The documentary was launched at the Coburg Town Hall on the 9th of September 2014, with performances by Antoine Barsouna, Yousef Alreemawi, Nizar Ashjar, Abdul Hammoud, and Nour Abouzeid, as well as a full screening of the film. Senator Concetta Fierravanti-Wells flew down from Canberra to make a keynote speech at the event. VASS would like to thank Sarah McDonald, as well as the many other performers, camera-people, editors and producers who helped create the DVD and the event.

Copies of the DVD can be purchased for $20.00. If you would like to purchase a copy of the DVD, please speak to Sarah McDonald, call (03) 9359 2861 or email [email protected].

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Arabic Youth Radio

The Arabic Youth Community radio programs we long-running programs that aim to engage Arabic youth. Unfortunately, the radio programs are no longer running at the time of print. Both 3al Hawa and ShababSawa provided a platform for Arabic speaking youth to voice their opinions and ideas on a plethora of topics and current events. The purpose of 3al Hawa was to engage Arabic youth in issues and problems of importance to them. It aimed to inform and give voice to marginalised and disadvantaged youth on current issues and bring to light problems facing the youth of today. The talk-back radio style was very inviting and thrived on a community that want to engage in conversations in a friendly and informative manner.

The presenters, ranging from 17 to 30 years of age, were encouraged to research different perspectives on current events and present them to the wider Arabic speaking community. 3al Hawa also spread awareness of VASS events and meetings through advertisements, so that the community was aware of other services and events available to them.

The Shababsawa program featured issues relating to Arabic youth culture. The show aired in Arabic, but applied to those of Assyrian, Chaldean, Kurdish, and Armenian background. Shababsawa also played contemporary popular Arab music as well as news and interviews. Shababsawa not only provided an avenue for young Arab people to have a voice but provides volunteering opportunities for individuals that want to break into the field.

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Aged Care Services

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educates and encourages older people to stay fit through cultural dancing, and the Al Zakira DVD, that provides education on Dementia through a cultural lens. These were produced through the Healthy Ageing and Service Improvement grant from the Department of Social Services.

VASS has many programs and activities across the State under its Aged Care banner, some of which are described below. There have been a variety of events and resources produced in our Aged Care Programs, such as producing and launching the Dance Fit DVD, a DVD that


Community and Individual benefits of Planned Activity Groups:

• Help people to be continually independent thereby preventing admission to long term residential care and hospitals

• Encourage participation in broader community life

• Promote physical and mental health and enhancing quality of life

• Provide respite and support for carers

• Assist in maintaining skills needed for everyday living

• Address clients’ social, cultural, emotional, physical and recreational needs

• Strengthen capacity building and providing opportunities for improved health, participation and security

• Improve nutrition and physical activity and promote emotional well-being for older people

• Provide a sense of positive aging, empowerment, connectedness and sustainable strategies

Funding:

VASS HACC program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State/Territory program proving funding and assistance for Australians in need. From July 01 2015, the Commonwealth government will be wholly responsible for funding Aged Care Services.

The City of Casey PAG is funded by the City of Casey.

Costs:

All VASS programs and activities are free of charge.

Small fees may be incurred in relation to recreational activity of excessive costs.


For more information please contact Lina Hassan at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

or Iman Allaf on 97671995 or 0421990216 for the South East Region

The Home and Community Care (HACC) program aims to support disabled and/or frail aged clients their carers to live independently in their home and in the community. VASS runs several programs within the HACC program, including several Planned Activity Groups (PAGs). VASS runs Men’s and Women’s PAGs in the Northern region of Victoria (Hume and Darebin), Newport and the City of Casey.

The PAGs aim to assist socially isolated disabled and/or frail aged people or their carers of Arabic speaking, inclusive of Assyrian Chaldean backgrounds, to maintain their personal independence and to sustain their connections with the community. The services provided are delivered in a culturally appropriate manner to ensure that all individual needs and interests are catered for.

VASS’ PAGs are very popular, with many of the programs, such as the in the City of Casey PAG, being full. VASS is hoping to expand its PAG to new areas to meet growing demand.

The Dandenong Arabic Women Seniors group received funding from the City of Greater Dandenong to run a Healthy Eating Healthy Ageing program whereby women meet on a monthly basis with a nutritionist to talk about Middle Eastern diet and recipes with a view to eating a healthier and modified version of it. The Dandenong Arabic Women seniors group is involved with OASIS leisure Centre and CGD in an exercise program on a weekly basis. This program runs in 8 weeks cycle and has been funded for 4 cycles at time of print (October 2014). VASS applied for a new funding to run the fifth cycle.

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VASS’ Volunteer Social Support Program links socially isolated people with disabilities and older people with Arabic and Assyrian Chaldean speaking volunteers who can visit the person at their home or go on social outings with them. This year VASS matched 33 volunteers to older people and people with disabilities in the community.

Benefits of the Volunteer Social Support program:

• Increased social support for isolated community members

• Increased involvement in community activities through transport provision

• Culturally and linguistically appropriate companionship

• Assisting older people and people with disabilities to maintain independence

• Provides respite opportunities for carers

Funding:

VASS HACC program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State/Territory program proving funding and assistance for Australians in need. From July 01 2015, the Commonwealth government will be wholly responsible for funding Aged Care Services.

Costs:

All VASS programs and activities are free of charge. Small fees may be incurred in relation to recreational activity of excessive costs.


For more information please contact Lina Hassan for more information at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

Volunteer Social Support Program (VSSP)

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The Access and Support program explores and develops mechanisms that will assist Home and Community Care (HACC) eligible people from Arabic Speaking Background (ASB) and Assyrian and Chaldean communities that experience barriers to accessing HACC services. It also works effectively in the HACC service system to provide specialist cultural knowledge, information and advice, assisting generic agencies in developing culturally appropriate service responses for ASB specific clients.

VASS supported people who have a disability or are aging and their carers by:• Enabling improved access to a range of HACC services for eligible Arabic and Assyrian Chaldean clients

• Providing support for ASB people in need of assistance to negotiate the HACC and related service system

• Strengthening the capacity of VASS Aged Care staff in responding to the needs presented to their agency

• Improving generic agency understanding of ASB people, their needs and difficulties in accessing services

• Strengthening the capacity of generic agencies’ to work effectively with VASS and improve access for ASB people.

Who is eligible for VASS Access and Support Activities? • People 65 and over

• Eligible for HACC services

• Socially isolated and disadvantaged

• Experience barriers to accessing services

• Of ABS or Assyrian Chaldean communities/backgrounds

• Living in the regions: Hume, Whittlesea and Hobson’s Bay.

Funding:

VASS HACC program is jointly funded by the Commonwealth and State/Territory program proving funding and assistance for Australians in need.

From July 01 2015, the Commonwealth government will be wholly responsible for funding Aged Care Services.

Costs:

Support from an Access and Support worker is confidential and free of charge.


For more information please contact Lina Hassan and Mesko Ayouz for more information at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

Access and Support Program

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The settlement program is funded by the Department of Social Services. The settlement program works with Iranian immigrants who have been in Australia less than five years and aims to get them involved in different activities, aiding in their settlement to Australia. This year has seen an increase in the number of clients involved in the program. The program this year has built on the outcomes of previous years.

Casework and empowerment through capacity building are the main elements of the program. As a settlement support worker most of the issues which are dealt with are, but not limited to:

• Housing issues

• Document help

• Referrals

• Writing Support Letters

• Other work, helping clients settle into Australia.

A Settlement support worker’s role is to help clients settle in Australia and provide information on how to access mainstream services. Some of the projects that VASS was involved in this year were information sessions on understanding Australian Law, how to obtain licenses, wellbeing issues such as stress and many more. The Settlement program also builds the capacity of newly arrived migrants by providing information on and access to accredited training such as

Safe Food Handling courses. These projects aim to enhance community participation and self- reliance among Arabic Speaking clients. Settlement receives incoming referrals and refers clients onwards, and the top categories of services provided include document help, financial support, language and life skills help and using centre facilities and broader community engagement.

Through the settlement services, VASS runs a program which aims to assist the Iranian community to become more independent and self-reliant and to facilitate the community’s interaction and integration with the broader community for eligible Iranian clients in Melbourne. This will be achieved through a number of activities including building links between the community and mainstream service providers, linking the community to casework and information session services.


For more information please contact Maliheh Saaedi for more information at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

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Building Bridges

The Building Bridges project is designed to improve wellbeing and transition for unemployed young parents and youth from Arabic, Assyrian, Chaldean, Kurdish and Persian speaking backgrounds in the city of Hume.

Hume City is one of the main LGAs in Victoria that is witnessing a huge influx of recent migrated families from the above mentioned ethnic backgrounds. Every year, the migration of families coming from Middle East in the City of Hume increases at around 200%. It is expected to increase even more, particularly with the war in Iraq and the ongoing civil conflict in Syria. Most of these migrant families are Asylum seekers, who are facing daily problems related to language, culture, racism, discrimination, mental health, family violence, housing, education (especially early school dropout), employment and settlement support. Keeping in mind that one third of these migrants are young people aged 12- 25 years; the need for this project becomes enormous. Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) is very well positioned to target this need. Clients at VASS have reported that it is often the first point of contact for them in times of crisis and often service providers will contact VASS to refer ASB clients as they cannot service their needs.

VASS’s Building Bridges for Employment has three specific objectives:

• Reducing barriers facing the Arabic, Assyrian, Chaldean and Persian speaking youth to meaningful employment, education and training such as addressing cultural, language, racism, discrimination and financial barriers through early intervention (leadership programs), mentoring (through VASS peer support) and better connection to education and employment (through linking them to training and work experience).

• Supporting disadvantaged young people to gain employment, and benefit from quality training, particularly in industries experiencing skills shortages such as community services, child care, IT, labour work

• Promoting stronger collaboration between government (City of Hume), non- government service providers and local business to work in partnership to address gaps and improve access to employment and training opportunities for the target group.

VASS’s Building Bridges for Employment project achieved the following outcomes with its participants:

• Increased levels of confidence of unemployed young people to increase their participation in the civic, economic, social and cultural life of the local community in Hume as well as the wider Australian society.

• Increased sense of connectedness among multicultural/ multilingual youth in Hume with their surroundings and general Australian society.

• 94 clients were linked to accredited training in a range of courses such as Certificate III in Children Services, First Aid, Leadership in the workplace, and Food Safety supervisor certificates. This was based on the needs of the young people.

• 10 clients assisted to find work in a variety of settings

VASS’s Building Bridges – Youth Leadership accredited Course in collaboration with The

Malka Group training organisation - TMGBu

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Tax HELP is a state-wide program wherein volunteers are sought and trained by the ATO to assist communities in completing their tax obligations. The program runs over a period of four months, and over the past years it has grown and assisted the ASB community, as well as other CALD communities. Today it continues to healthily grow. More members of the community are becoming aware of these services provided by VASS and the benefits of understanding and learning the taxation requirements. The Tax HELP program addresses some of the many drawbacks that the ASB community has faced with language barriers and lack of knowledge of the Australian taxation system. VASS and the Tax HELP program continue to overcome the series of set-backs in further helping the ASB community.

Through the Tax HELP Program assistance has been successfully provided to the ASB Community the ability to understand their obligations in the area of taxation, and the knowledge to complete them. A key aim of the

Tax HELP program is the ability for taxpayers to understand such obligations and the need for them to discharge them. This is achieved through an ATO trained- volunteer reaching the community by being physically based at VASS (Broadmeadows Head Office), and assisting community members with their tax returns and providing information on other services such as E-Tax. These services are free to use and encourage the community to take advantage of these services so as to gain an understanding of the often complex tax system in Australia.


For more information please contact Maliheh Saaedi for more information at VASS Head Office (03) 9359 2861 or [email protected]

Tax HELP Program


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Students and Volunteersat VASS 2014

There has been another year of many student placements and volunteers at VASS. There have been extremely positive outcomes for all the students and volunteers involved at VASS, who have played a part in many different events, programs and projects. Students and volunteers add a rich wealth of knowledge and experiences to VASS, and VASS is very thankful for their contribution.

‘During my Social Work placement at VASS I have been fortunate enough to experience the many facets of Social Work. I have been given the opportunity to work with aged care, family services, immigration and with VASS’s new Win Back Your Life: Gamblers and their Families Support Program. Throughout my time at VASS I have worked with clients, attended meetings (both internal and external), written client files and developed a sound knowledge of social services. In addition to work place knowledge I have been fortunate enough to work with amazing people who have broadened my knowledge on Arabic culture and language. Working at VASS has been an amazing experience both personally and professionally.’

-Kirsten Gordon, Student Placement at VASS

‘My experience at VASS as a volunteer has been both educational and gratifying. I have seen firsthand the amazing work VASS is doing with helping families and individuals within the community by making a positive impact on their lives. My time spent with VASS has given me a new found respect and understanding for the work they do for our community.’

-Manal Abbas, Volunteer at VASS

Looking Forward...

VASS is a constantly growing organisation, with new improvements and expansions of our services and staff capabilities every year.

The following are the main objectives for which VASS is seeking to continuously develop in:

• Strengthening employment and education in the community through provision of training, and increasing the qualifications on scope for the VASS College of Vocational Education

• Continue existing programs to a high standard

• Develop new programs

• Expand our services to areas of growing demand – such as expanding our Family Services, and our Aged Care Social Support Services and PAGs in the South East of Melbourne and Epping

• Seek further opportunities for capacity building

Costs:

Participating in the Community Visitor’s Scheme is free of charge, however, small costs may be incurred for some activities.


If you are interested in being a Community Visitor, or are receiving a Home Care Package and would like to be part of the program, contact VASS Head Office on (03) 9359 2861, or email [email protected]

This year VASS secured three year funding for the Community Visitor’s Scheme program. VASS’ Community Visitor’s Scheme program involves recruiting and training volunteers, and matching them to older people who receive a Home Care Package. The ‘Visitors’ will visit the older person in their home at least once per fortnight, and provide social support to the older person. VASS has funding for ten Visitors to be matched to ten older people.

Funding:

The Community Visitor’s Scheme is funded by the Department of Social Services.

Future Projects In Planning


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NEW MULTILINGUAL SUPPORT FOR GAMBLER’S HELP

- PUTTING CLIENTS FIRST

The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) and the Victorian Responsible Gambling Foundation have embarked on a new partnership to provide multi-lingual counselling services to people from all Arabic speaking background communities inclusive of Assyrian, Chaldean, Kurdish, Iranian, Horn of African and Turkish communities. The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) is one of six organisations being funded by the foundation to provide services to its community members. The Victorian Arabic Social Services (VASS) is pleased to be working with the foundation to improve services to people with gambling problems.

The Win Back Your Life program will support the development of culturally appropriate activities for isolated and marginalized youth and their families who are affected by gambling. Win Back Your Life provides multi-lingual counselling services and skills to clients accessing the service, building bridges with specialist services and programs to support family members of clients access the service.

Win Back Your Life

Win Back Your Life aims to:

• Strengthen relationships between individuals and groups within the diverse Arabic community;

• Provide counselling and financial counselling to groups and individuals

• Develop stronger links between the clients from Arabic Speaking Background and Gambler’s Help Services, particularly in the Northern and Western regions;

• Broaden the participation of people from Arabic speaking backgrounds in the recreation and cultural life in municipalities of Hume, Darebin and Moreland;

• Build self-protective culturally relevant strategies within the Arabic community, and

• Develop new educational materials specific to the new emerging communities from the Middle East to raise awareness about issues of gambling


For more information, please contact Project Manager Reta Ando at VASS Head Office on (03) 9359 2861, or email [email protected]


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July 2013 - June 2014


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Present and Apologies list are kept on AGM file 2013

1. Welcome & Apologies by VASS CEO, Leila Alloush

2. VASS Presentation, Kawthar Yakan presented a report on VASS’ activities for the 2012-2013 Financial Year

3. Confirmation of minutes from last AGM (15.11.2012), were circulated and approved

4. VASS Chairperson’s Report, Vice Chairperson Mr Mohamad Dahdoule (Chairperson Mr. Ali Mustapha sick), as tabled in the Annual Report on page 4 - 5

5. VASS Treasurer’s Report, Ms. Sherin Ahmad presented the Treasurer Report as table in the Annual Report on pages 36 -41

Moved: Zahra Baho

Seconded: Fatoum Souki

6. Appointment of Auditor 2012- 2013, Jan Collyer and Associates Accountants and Auditors.

Moved: Samira Zeno

Seconded: Leila Alloush

7. Refreshments and dinner

8. Achievement Awards, presented by Vice Chairperson Mr. Mohamad Dahdoule and Aged Care worker Mrs. Lina Hassan, to people who made significant contributions to VASS in the past year

9. VASS Assyrian Chaldean Women’s Group and VASS Arabic Women’s group perform Traditional Middle Eastern folklore dance

10. Door Raffle Ticket Prize distribution

11. Traditional Middle Eastern Music and Dance

12. Announcement for elected VASS Board 2013: Mohamad Alman; Ali Mustafa; Mohamad Dahdoule; Fatoum Souki; Sherin Ahmad; Zahra Baho; Samira Zeno; Yousif Dawood; Youssef Issa; Mohamad Elturabi; S. Ahmad; Omar Tabiaat

Meeting closed at 9:00 PM

VASS AGM MINUTESAGM Held Thursday 21st November 2013Venue: Rivoli Receptions, 802 Sydney Road, Brunswick, Victoria 30566:30 PM – 9.00 PM


VASS Membership Application or Renewal Form for 2014-2015

I would like to become a member or renew my membership of the Victorian Arabic Social Services

Please find enclosed my annual membership fee of: $11.00 (GST inclusive) Individual membership$22.00 (GST inclusive) Organisational membership

Name:

Job Title:

Organisation:

Mailing Address:

Telephone: (BH) (AH)

Fax: Mobile:

Email:

Enclosed is membership fee for 2014-2015

Total: $

Please make cheque payable to VASS and send it to the following address:

C1, 1-13 The Gateway, Broadmeadows Vic. 3047Phone: (03) 9359 2861 Fax: (03) 8307 2899Email: [email protected]: www.vass.org.au


Quantity Publication Cost (incl. GST)

Arab-Australians in Victoria: Needs Assessment and Capacity Building $31

Arabic Community Directory $22

Arabic Youth and Families Settlement Program: A Good Practice Example $11

Natural Health and Beauty Therapies $6

Mediation & Conflict Resolution among the Arabic-speaking community in Melbourne 2006 $31

“Arabic Communities and Well-Being: Supports and Barriers to Social Connectedness” 2005 $ 31

Publication Order Form

□ Please tick if receipt required

If paying by cheque or money order, please make payable to: ‘Victorian Arabic Social Services’

Profession:

Organisation:

Title (Mr/Mrs/Miss/Ms):

Name:

Surname:

Postal Address:

Phone Number:

Fax Number:

Mobile Number:

Email:

Date of Order:

Order Taken By:

Date Publication sent/delivered:

Payment Method:

Countries which are members of the Arabic League of Nations:

Algeria

Bahrian

Comoros

Djibouti

Egypt

Iraq

Jordan

Kuwait

Lebanon

Libya

Mauritania

Morocco

Oman

Palestine

Qatar

Saudi Arabia

Somalia

Sudan

Syria

Tunisia

United Arab Emirates

Yemen

Head OfficeC1, 1-13 The Gateway,Broadmeadows, Vic. 3047Tel: (03) 9359 2861Fax: (03) 9359 2899Email: [email protected]

Newport Sub-office16 Oxford StreetNewport, Vic. 3015Tel: (03) 9391 0195Fax: (03) 9391 0197

Dandenong Sub-officeSouth Migrant & Refugee Centre:1/314 Thomas StreetDandenong 3175 Postal Address:PO Box 1139Dandenong, Vic. 3175Tel: (03) 9767 1995Fax: (03) 9706 8830

2014 - vass€¦ · 28th annual report 2014 head office c1, 1-13 the gateway, broadmeadows, vic....

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