Monday August 14, 2017

Vinnies to establish new crisis centre for women

Local

A new centre that will provide emergency accommodation uniquely tailored to women in crisis will open in Adelaide’s inner northern suburbs next month.

Monday August 14, 2017

Monday August 14, 2017 Comments

Comments Print article

The Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre (VWCC) will provide short-term accommodation for women and their children experiencing crisis, including those escaping from domestic violence. The 20-room facility is expected to begin operating in September.

Vinnies State president Cathy Beaton said the initiative had been in the pipeline for more than two years and would serve guests’ “practical and emotional needs”.

“The Vinnies Women’s Crisis Centre is unique in many ways, providing a range of services including in-house access to Vinnies programs, children’s play area with some child minding, all meals, recreation area and laundry and kitchen facilities for guests’ use,” Ms Beaton said.

“Set in tranquil gardens with modern family rooms, women will find themselves in a nurturing environment to support decision making and change at a distressing time when they have found themselves without a choice for safe accommodation.

“We are confident this new service will impact in a very positive way on many lives and we are proud that Vinnies is at the forefront of this much needed service.”

The VWCC will be a gateway to existing government services for domestic violence and homelessness assistance, with women entering the facility courtesy of government agencies including the Domestic Violence Crisis Line and SA Police.

A major supporter of the centre is BankSA chief executive Nick Reade who was involved in early strategising and secured more than $160,000 for the facility through his Vinnies CEO Sleepout fundraising this year.

“BankSA has raised over half a million dollars in the past five years to support South Australians experiencing homelessness and we are pleased to now extend this support,” said Mr Reade.

“Over the past 12 months we’ve been actively working with Vinnies to bring our shared vision for this new centre to life, to enable women and children to escape harm and receive the help they need for a brighter future.”