Those without phones , emails and delays with post and technology simply wasn ’ t adequate for all of those experiencing an immediate financial crisis .
From the very beginning of our ‘ limited client contact ’ changes , we still built in ways for our community ’ s most vulnerable , our homeless , rough sleepers and those without email / phones , a way to stay connected and assisted with essential ER , including free phone cards and immediate staff assessments for those calling from a public phone booth with contactless collections .
This expanded during April / May with some building modifications that allowed us a safe ( socially distanced ) space , purpose-built to assist with contactless collections , conversations and hot takeaway meals . By the end of June - complementing the increasingly complex phone triage / case work being done inside of CSF ’ s building - more than 1,100 ( emergency ) hot takeaway meals were distributed from what we affectionately now call ‘ the bunker ’.
As both the number of clients and frequency of visits continued to grow , a home delivery service was introduced as part of our pandemic response and was expanded through the second wave of Covid-19 . This service response was especially appreciated by those needing to self-isolate after testing and for many community members either afraid or unable to leave their homes for essential food and other supports .
Over the last 12 + months we ’ ve grown our partnerships , including in more recent times with the likes of Meals on Wheels ( MoW ) and local businesses ( restaurants ) that have assisted with our pre-prepared meals initiative .
We extend our sincere thanks to all the financial and in-kind supporters that continue to help CSF to help others . There are too many of you to mention personally , but we appreciate each and every one of you ( please see our ‘ supporters acknowledgements ’ - pages 32 / 33 ). In more recent times we also commenced some new initiatives that had to be placed on hold due to the pandemic .
We would also like to acknowledge the strong partnerships we continue to have with co-located services and other workers , such as the Bolton Clarke Homeless Persons Program and Good Shepherd Australia New Zealand ( free financial counselling ). As CSF allocates the bulk of its ER and other grants to practical client supports over staff wages , these co-locations add tremendous value and support to our largely volunteer team and clients in common .
For a third year running the Frankston Community Appeal ( Christmas Appeal ) had a record breaking fundraising year with $ 43,271 reaching the Material Aid Trust and helping us to reach more families in need . It was great to support some additional local schools this year with Xmas hampers , vouchers and toys . A total of 726 hampers were distributed to 1,871 people in our community .
Unfortunately , we know that times are only getting tougher for the people that access our services , but the flexibility of CSF ’ s Operations and Management team has enabled services to be delivered uninterrupted and to the highest professional level .
On behalf of the Board of Management , we extend our thanks and admiration to all volunteers , staff and supporters that continue to make CSF such a special place .
It ’ s also been great to work with new outreach partners , even with our main service doors closed , such as the Mobile Immunisation Health Van - providing free flu shots and other vaccinations - along with mobile fever clinics provide Covid-19 testing .
Thank you
Sue Smith Chair
Steve Phillips Manager
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