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”.

Deakin Community Award for LifeCare

Deakin Community Award for LifeCare

Crossway LifeCare was one of the recipients of the Deakin Community Awards 2015 held on July 21 at Aquinas College, Ringwood.

“Tonight we recognise the outstanding work of some of our community’s most dedicated, hard-working and respected individuals”
— Michael Sukkar MP, Federal Member for Deakin

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Geoff and Louise join the Melbourne Marathon

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Team LifeCare welcomes their first ever wheelchair participants, Geoff Steer (70) and Louise Kramer (57), residents of Scope.* Initiated by Louise, the engaged couple who have cerebral palsy are thrilled to be part of this fundraising event for LifeCare and are planning to wheel three kilometres. They will be accompanied by their support crew led by Pastor Mark Pearse. Geoff and Louise are attendees of Crossway.

Support LifeCare by sponsoring Geoff and Louise or other Team LifeCare participants in the Melbourne Marathon.

Join Team LifeCare as a runner, walker or wheelchair participant in the 2015 Melbourne Marathon.

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*Scope is a leading disability services provider with a mission to enable each person they support to live as an equal and empowered citizen.

Bright & Glorious Ball

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Novelty bling glasses, dazzling outfits, glo sticks and disco balls all created a spectacular atmosphere at the Bright & Glorious Ball on 9 May, 2015.

Held at the Karralyka Centre in Ringwood East, the evening was a huge success in every way. The stories shared by some of our program participants were compelling and inspiring. Celebrity performer Ben Price entertained guests with his hilarious impersonations of famous celebrities. The event raised an amazing $67.5K to support the ongoing commitment of lifeCare to see people in tough places flourish.

Our winning “most glorious” couple, Fiona & Andy Hilson, are pictured below.

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Here is some feedback from our guests:

“That’s an outstanding effort for such a brilliant night! We enjoyed ourselves immensely and will definitely be back next year. The food was exceptional this year.” – Fiona H

“There was such a great atmosphere right from the very beginning with a warm welcome from MC Fiona Hall to purchasing our Bright and Glorious glasses then a fantastic variety of entertainment right through the evening. There were some wonderful testimonies by those who have been blessed by LifeCare and their amazing counsellors, a talented, funny presentation by Ben Price the Impersonator, the fabulous auction led by Dale who even put in a vendors bid for a holiday to Magnetic Island, heart-felt speeches by two of our local Politicians, not to mention the humorous MC Fiona Hall, followed by great music and dancing for those with lots of energy.” – Lyn B

“I went to the LifeCare ball on Saturday night and had a really good time. The night was filled with lots of fun and laughter, the food was great, the venue was lovely and the entertainer was very talented. I’m sure all that went thoroughly enjoyed themselves.” – Kim C

Easter delights at our Women’s Centre

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This Easter our women enjoyed a fun day of activities including making Easter cup cakes, planting, egg painting and card making in the art room, and time to relax over a nutritious home-cooked meal. After group time, there was an opportunity to share thoughts on Easter, the resurrection and ‘New Beginnings’. The children enjoyed some Easter craft and most importantly, an Easter Egg Hunt!

Crossway LifeCare’s vision for the Women’s Centre in Box Hill is to see women and children from broken relationships have their lives rebuilt, strengthened and flourish in a safe haven. The programs are run by qualified staff and cover spiritual wellbeing , therapeutic group work and craft activities.

IMG_1457 Easter delights

Just do it! Melbourne Marathon 2015

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“I never believed l could run 100m but with encouragement and perseverance, running now plays an important part in my life (both mentally and physically). For me, it is a natural release valve, a personal retreat and so much more.”
– Simon Goodfield

Don’t wait! Set your goal and sign up now to be part of Team LifeCare in the Melbourne Marathon 2015!

For registration details and to join the LifeCare team, email jane.ng@crosswaylifecare.org.au or simply follow the instructions below:

1. REGISTER FOR AN EVENT
Go to http://melbournemarathon2015.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
Click on the button ‘Register for the Event’ located on the top right hand corner. Select the event you want register for and follow all the prompts to complete the registration.
Important: Do not “Choose a Team” when prompted to do so. Entry Status should be “Individual.”

2. START A FUNDRAISING PAGE AND JOIN TEAM LIFECARE
Go to http://melbournemarathon2015.gofundraise.com.au/cms/home
Click on the “Start fundraising” button.
Find Charity: Type “Crossway LifeCare Ltd”
Type of fundraising page is “Join a Team” Hit “Join Team” button.
Choose “Go Team LifeCare.”
The rest should be self-explanatory.

We encourage you to take advantage of the Early Bird special prices which ends on June 30th. You will save a few dollars and get your registration pack delivered – and an early commitment will help you get your training into gear, sooner rather than later.

For help setting up your page, contact the GoFundraise support team on 1300 889 272.

Team LifeCare’s page is now up and running, check it out! 

For assistance or more information, email jane.ng@crosswaylifecare.org.au or ring 0404 876833.

Running Strong for Hope

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It’s that time again – runners (and walkers) are gearing up for the 2015 Melbourne Marathon. For the third year running, LifeCare is entering a team of all people of ages and stages with a common goal – putting the fun into FUNdraising!

The training journey for runners requires commitment, discipline and perseverance – but the benefits are priceless! Apart from being a personal victory, finishing the race signifies hope for many in our community who are struggling, and a celebration of lives that have been touched and transformed.

In 2013 and 2014, Team LifeCare claimed the Top Fundraising Team and Top Fundraiser positions on the GoFundraise fundraising platform. This year we are aiming to not only defend our titles but go one better and improve on last year’s effort of more than $73,000 – each dollar of which represents practical help and hope for people doing it tough.

Here’s what some of last year’s participants said about the experience:

“We consider ourselves very fortunate and blessed to have our families, friends, jobs, enough food on the table and clothes on our backs. Running (and half walking!) 5km was the least we could do to help those in less fortunate situations. And it was a painless way of helping us be healthy and get our fitness goals back on track!”
– Caryn and David

“I chose to run at this event because I want to add my voice to the growing awareness of the great work done through Crossway LifeCare and to raise funds to assist people in tough places to flourish. There is an excellent sense of team at the event with our 72 runners and walkers. Our distinctive team top made it possible to spot one another out on the track. I also love it that people of different fitness levels can compete and know that they are making a difference.”
– Dale Stephenson

For information on how to register for the event and join Team LifeCare, click here or email jane.ng@crosswaylifecare.org.au

Ahoy There Table Captains!

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On Saturday 9th May 2015 LifeCare will host the wonderful Bright & Glorious Ball. Get involved by being a Table Captain. All you need to do is to fill a table of ten!

Invite your friends, neighbours, workmates or business contacts to experience a fabulous night, including a three course meal and great entertainment. There are prizes to be won and it’s all for a very worthy cause, helping to transform lives in our community. Let’s BLING it on!

Don’t miss out – tables are limited. To book your table, go to trybooking.com.au/GOVG  or contact jane.ng@crosswaylifecare.org.au for more information.