Welcome Gail Thannhauser, COO, LifeCare

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LifeCare would like to introduce our new leader, Gail Thannhauser (Chief Operating Officer) as Toby Baxter focusses on the extension of COACH nationally and internationally. Gail combines her heart for the poor and marginalised, business experience and Christian faith to raise awareness of, and help people in tough places flourish, emotionally, socially, economically and spiritually.

Motivated by her Christian faith and personal experience, Gail is passionate about challenging others to gain a greater understanding of what poverty and crisis really mean and what can be done for lasting community transformation. Gail holds a Master of International Business Studies Degree and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Marketing Management.  She has local and global experience with creating, managing and executing business strategy. She has held leadership positions in the corporate sector as well as in humanitarian aid, development and community services sectors. Gail lives with her three children as well as two international students.  All five were born in different countries, The Netherlands, United States, Australia, Vietnam and China, respectively!

“It has been a delight getting to know members of our team over the past four months. What an inspiring group of God honouring professionals, with huge capacity, who humbly give their time and skills, as they pour their hearts into serving those doing it tough in our community.  It is utterly inspiring and a privilege to be a member of the team”.

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Melbourne Marathon: Run For Hope

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This year, it will be held on Sunday, 12 October 2014. After the success of Melbourne Marathon 2013 fundraiser, Team LifeCare is set to challenge its achieved goal of $60K last year to a target goal $100K this year!

The recruitment for Team LifeCare took place on two Sundays, 2 & 9 March in a marquee set up in the Church foyer. A total of 120 potential participants signed up to run or walk an event on the day! An awesome result!!

It is still not too late to join the team! You can participate in any of these events: 3km walk, 5km run, 10km run, Half Marathon (21.1km) or the Full Marathon (42.195km). If you are interested in joining Team LifeCare, please email Jane for more details.

To donate to Team LifeCare, click here.

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2014 Celebration Encouragement Awards Announced

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Congratulations to all the recipients

LifeCare Youth COACH Award

Presented to a young person on our Youth COACH program who have been nominated and sensitively selected on a non-competitive basis by our Awards Committee to encourage his/her progress towards a significant and positive life goal.

Recipient: Robert Cooper

Robert was very quiet and reserved when he was introduced to the Youth COACH program. I was a stranger to him and it took sometime before he trusted me. When he did, he opened up to me more as a friend than a COACH.

Robert has progressed from a troubled boy at the start to a much happier young person today. He is doing well at school and his Coach, Allan Chew is confident of his ability to discern right from wrong and making wise choices in friends.

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Robert is also a computer wiz! He is able to rip a computer apart, modify it and put it all together. He does all his research online and implements what he has learnt to achieve this.

Robert also completed the World Challenge last year in Borneo where he learnt essential life skills that will aid his personal growth.

Allan Chew, Coach

LifeCare B-Empowered Award

A client on our B-Empowered program will have been nominated and sensitively selected on a non-competitive basis by our Awards Committee to celebrate his/her progress towards reducing their debt and/or finding employment.

Recipient: Brett Weller

“18 months ago I had a budget that was perfect. My fortnightly income from centre link when budgeted properly could keep me drunk, economising was allocating funds to port wine or spirits.

I arrived in Melbourne from Brisbane needing help. I needed to get my life back into order, support to deal with addictions, look for employment and find a sense of community. I felt low and stressed.

Friends introduced me to Life care and it was here that I was introduced to the B-Empowered financial care program that supported people who were struggling financially.

There are many institutions, charity groups that help by giving food parcels and vouchers but to tackle the problem at the root was a whole new ball game.

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The B-Empowered program not only supported me with some financial assistance and food parcels, but it also helped me look at my budget and spending habits. Being on benefits means there is not much left at the end of the fortnight but with support and coaching I have been able to manage my budget better, set up a payment plan to pay off an old bill and even have a small amount of money at the end of the fortnight to save.

It wasn’t easy but Nikki helped me to see it was possible and I really feel I have achieved something. To now be able to say my budget is now life first, luxury later would be good. To say I have both is better. I now have pride, confidence and am a multi-millionaire, okay not quite but feel like one. I am proud and safe.”

Brett Weller

LifeCare Counselling Award – Jessica Cooper and Nathan Spratling

A past client from our Counselling service will have been nominated and sensitively selected on a non-competitive basis by our Awards Committee to celebrate his/her progress in overcoming a major life challenge

Recipients: Jessica Cooper and Nathan Spratling

Before Nathan and I started counselling our relationship was on the verge of a breakup. At that point the only thing keeping us together was our daughter. I, personally, knew that I still loved Nathan but was at a point where I didn’t know how to move forward with our relationship and move past the petty arguments and lack of communication.

We reached a point one day where we decided counselling was our last try at mending our relationship and getting us back to a point where we had once been.

We began our counselling with Angie and from our first session until now it has been pretty much nothing but improvements. Angie helped us to understand one another’s wants and what we both truly needed in order for our relationship to be strong and successful. She has helped us to understand that what I may feel is important in a relationship is not necessarily what Nathan thinks is important and that we both need to compromise and as she would say “fill each others love tank.” Angie has never questioned whether we loved each other or doubted that we are a great team and are meant to be together.

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Although no relationship is perfect and there are still things that we will forever be working on we can happily and thankfully say that we are at a great point and realise the importance of making time to be a couple as well as being parents. We feel like we have a better understanding of one another and are genuinely enjoying and loving our life together. We are so grateful to Angie and life care for their support and encouragement. And also for offering a service that is affordable particularly for us as a young family. We have and will continue to recommend counselling to others in similar situations.

Thank you again for having us.

Jessica & Nathan

LifeCare Family COACH Award

A parent or family as a whole on our Family COACH program will have been nominated and sensitively selected on a non-competitive basis by our Awards Committee to celebrate their progress towards a significant and positive life goal.

Recipient: Suzie Milivojevic

I got to know the COACH programme through one of my two boys. Lachie was an amazing coach to my youngest boy, so when someone suggested to me that I get a coach, I thought it was a great idea.

The COACH programme matched me up with Julie who was someone I felt comfortable with and who understood me well.

My coach walked alongside me during a difficult time in my life. The best things Julie offered me was support and being there when no one else was around or cared or wanted to listen to my problems. It was like having an extension to my family.

Suzie-Award

What the coach programme has enabled me to do is help me take charge of my life again and make me feel more like my old self where I am able to be assertive and make decisions.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Crossway for blessing me by believing in this programme that supports and encourages people like myself and for helping me get back on my feet. I also want to them all the people who volunteer their time to make this programme possible.

Suzie

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Inaugural Celebration Dinner Was A Fundtastic Success

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Approximately $60K was raised at the LifeCare’s Inaugural Celebration Evening held on Monday 26 May. It was attended by 370 guests. “We have been very blessed by the generosity of our sponsors and everyone who gave and supported in different ways towards our vision and mission through this evening!” said Director for LifeCare, Toby Baxter.

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It was a highly entertaining evening starting with the amazing talented display of acrobatics skills by the Eastern Gymnastics group, followed by the very engaging and inspiring special guest speaker Lisa McInnes-Smith. The Awards ceremony was the highlight of the evening where five LifeCare clients shared their testimonies and received each an encouragement award for their journey so far.

Included in the program for the evening was also a Silent Auction.

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What others said

Outstanding effort, what an amazing night!! Had a great time, it went very fast which is always a good sign and the food, entertainment and message were all first class. Neil

What a great night.  I was so impressed with everything – especially the guest speaker. Also I couldn’t believe it finished on time.  It was also great to hear and see the benefits of LifeCare.  Fiona H

Well done Toby and the incredible LifeCare team on pulling together such an amazing evening last night celebrating the change in people’s lives.  Wonderful evening, Andy and I enjoyed immensely.  Fiona

We all loved the program from the gymnastic display to the speaker Lisa.  We especially loved the awards – as it brought alive all the work that the LifeCare team does.  Well done.  Jill

Thanking our Sponsors

Bless Designs
Guymer Bailey Architects
Mountain Timbers
Qanstruct
Repco

Alan & Leeanne Croot
Nordic Elevators
Alfred’s Homestead
Patti Robertson
Bakers Delight
Paul & Jules McIllwain
Benchmark Real Estate
Plant Inspirations
Brian & Julie Rule
Ron & Ruth Chatelier
Brendon Atherton
Stockdale & Leggo
Dale Stephenson
Sue’s Flower Spot
David Everard
Terry Young,
Traffic Safe
David Leong Optometrist
Thrive Health & Fitness
Dwayne Pigrim PT
Tim Heng
Esther Lee
Titilayo Adetunji, Cardinal Financial Group
Huntingdale Golf Club
Welly Lee, Destiny Photography
Mark Pearse
Yering Hill Vineyard
Mars Food Zagames
Michelle Mo Beauty
Neil Angus

 

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2013 Crossway LifeCare Annual Report

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2013 was a year of Growth for Crossway LifeCare. In our community mentoring programme, COACH, over 60 coach volunteers were recruited and trained. They assisted over 70 families, youth and children. Youth Coach was also launched.

In our Financial Care program, B-Empowered 83 families received financial assistance. 114 families received food assistance.

Our counselling service saw 631 clients. There were over 2,800 counselling sessions provided to individuals, couples and families.

You can download their stories and more information in the 2013 Crossway LifeCare Annual Report here.

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Garry’s Story: From Desperation To Hope

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“A year ago, I was in a dark place, penniless with 12 court appearances for custody of my nine year old daughter. Someone introduced me to LifeCare and my life has changed since! I first started receiving practical help and then sought financial assistance through the B-Empowered program. “

“My life today is a far cry from where I was then. I was also put through the COACH program which has been the most beneficial service for me.  Through Coach Coordinator Paul, I was introduced to Danny, my Coach Mentor who has been pivotal to where I am today in my horticultural business.” From the desperate battle of trying to put food on the table nine months ago to a currently flourishing business that earns a net profit, this has been a miracle in itself for Garry.

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“Danny and I were like “chalk and cheese”, chuckles Garry. “We have our moments, but he was the one that gives me those light bulb moments. The biggest was to pursue my passion to start my own horticultural business”. Garry is becoming extremely proficient bonsai cultivation and finds his work very therapeutic.

Garry’s daughter, nine year old daughter Emelia has also greatly benefited from LifeCare’s Counselling and COACH programs. “Emelia has fostered healthy friendships through the B-Together community dinners and enjoys being with her COACH mentor, Amal”, says an appreciative dad. “Emelia simply dotes on Amal and they have developed a special and positive “mother and daughter bond”.

“My goal is to give Emelia a holiday in Fiji at Christmas this year. A Christmas she deserves!”

Garry is now in a good place and has the ability to live independently and lead a healthy life. He is a regular face at Crossway LifeCare as he enjoys the friendship he had built with his Coaches and friends at Crossway. A very grateful Garry has expressed his desire to “give back” to Crossway LifeCare by helping out in any our current or future programs.

YOU can make a difference in helping people like Garry by financially supporting our COACH (Community Mentoring) program. Click here to learn more.

Posted in COACH

Connecting People At Christmas: B-Together Christmas Bash

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From a background of isolation, addiction, domestic violence and mental health illness, this was for many, their only Christmas celebration.  Thanks to everyone who made this possible through your giving this year.

Our second B-Together Christmas event was celebrated on 12 December 2013.   A total of over 200 clients from our financial care (B-empowered), community mentoring (COACH) and counselling programs along with coach volunteers and staff were present, more than doubling the attendance last year! Apart from the traditional sumptuous Christmas meal, the children were treated to fun and games and were thrilled to receive a personalised Christmas present from Santa! Santa also presented each family a Christmas hamper to take home with them. A big “THANK YOU” to those who generously donated towards the hampers.

2013 Christmas B-Together

It was a hugely successful night with some very encouraging feedback below from clients and volunteers:

“Anne* and John* were so touched by the gifts they received.  John* said the gifts would probably be the only ones they would receive and that he would be alone on Christmas day”

“Great food, thanks to the cooks and volunteers!”

“I’ve never mobilised that much chocolate pudding in my life before tonight! Staff volunteer”

* Names have been changed

Our fantastic challenge this year is to source a suitable venue to accommodate the growing numbers. Any suggestions, please email Nikki.

Posted in B-Together

Felix & Maria’s Story: Support Changed Our Marriage

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When Felix and Maria first approached LifeCare, their family was experiencing pain and disappointment. They had already separated twice, and had kept changing careers and moving cities in attempts to start over. The couple was clearly desperate to save their marriage. But first they had to deal with other long term issues – childhood abuse, rejection, fear, loneliness, sexual addictions, violence, anger, control, manipulation and neglect.

Their LifeCare counsellor created a holistic ‘community’ of psychologists, coaches and supporters to journey with the couple through some of their toughest days and memories. At first, Felix and Maria met with separate counsellors to focus on their individual circumstances. After only a month, they were ready to take the next step – to see a counsellor together. While their discussions brought up difficult issues and old wounds, the couple felt encouraged and empowered by their LifeCare supports.

“The support we needed to save our family, and our marriage.” 

When Felix lost his job, LifeCare’s financial counsellor helped him to determine the family budget and ensure they could manage in the short and medium term.

The couple said their time at LifeCare was full of insight, breakthrough and opportunities to go deeper than they ever had the opportunity to go. The counsellors helped them through decades of emotion and pain, to the stage where they have fallen in love again. They believe they have greater hope for change and life in abundance – which they hope every couple can achieve.

To help others like Felix and Maria, you can support our COACH (Community Mentoring) programme by your giving here.

Posted in COACH

Lachie’s Story: Contributing To Positive Change

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University student and LifeCare volunteer, Lachie is utilising his spare time to mentor not one but three young people through LifeCare’s COACH mentoring program.

“I’d had a stirring in my heart to be out in the community, working with people who were doing life tough,” he said. “When Crossway church asked for COACH volunteer mentors, it was an obvious opportunity. At age 23, I have few commitments so I can invest time in volunteering and directly impact the lives of others.”

Although Lachie is studying at university, contributes to Crossway’s Kidzone ministry and works as an integration aide at a local primary school, he still finds the time to meet regularly with three young coachees. By reaching out to young people before age 14, family support services such as LifeCare have maximum opportunity to positively influence their lives.

“If this is the time in my life when I have the freedom to contribute to changing a young person’s life, I don’t want to miss out,” Lachie said. He’s seen the effectiveness of COACH first hand, and how the boys have developed through the program. He says he prefers COACH volunteering as continual training and 24/7 support is provided.

When Eric first visited LifeCare in 2012 he was, to use his own words “anxious, distraught and probably the lowest I’d ever been.” He’d driven past LifeCare’s signs on Springvale Road in Burwood countless times but never felt ready to ask for help. After months of severe depression, Eric found himself sitting alone in an empty house, thinking very dark thoughts. Finally, he listened to his inner voice and rallied the courage to call LifeCare. The phone went to voicemail. He felt utter despair.

He could have slipped into a depressive episode. Instead, as if on autopilot, he got in his car and drove there. At Reception, he uttered the words which changed his life, “I need to see someone.” Recognising his distress, LifeCare counsellor Christina saw him that day.

“Christina was amazing, she was the right person at the right time,” Eric said. She was such a lovely, gentle, listener. Even on that first day I felt comfortable talking and being open with her.”

Eric To become a LifeCare YOUTH COACH or to support the COACH program, please contact LifeCare on 03 9886 3899 or email Christina.

Posted in COACH