OUR CHALLENGES
long history has resulted in the evolution of strong values, beliefs, culture,
CSF is an organisation in transition. During recent socially turbulent times knowledge in the community, skills, it and is facing networks a number. of major challenges: o An increase in the complexity of serious problems presented to CSF by clients and a lack of specialist services able to cope with this demand mean that more is expected of our volunteer community workers.
o In particular, increased instances of people presenting with mental health, homelessness, alcohol and other drug problems require additional care and ongoing supervision, support and training for volunteers. o o The retirement of long serving staff members and a reduction in funding for paid positions doesn’ t come without its challenges. CSF will continue get the most from a highly skilled volunteer base but will continue to review its ability to provide services.
o Maintaining existing relationships with key partners such as Frankston City Council( for staff, facility and in-kind support) along with retaining Emergency Relief funding levels through the Federal Government’ s Department of Social Services( DSS) which are essential to maintaining CSF services.
o Future complications or changes to key partnerships will impact on the quantity and quality of services and may adversely affect CSF’ s capacity to attract and retain experienced and skilled staff. o o Retiring long-term volunteer board members possessing a wide range of valuable knowledge, skills and community connections will be difficult to replace. o o A shift in volunteering trends generally has resulted in community-minded people having less time available for volunteering with preferences for short-term and one-off volunteering rather than a regular commitment.
o Alternative sources of adequate sponsorship for community services, especially for administration, are limited and competition for government, business and philanthropic support is high. Despite employing specialist public relations and fund-raising personnel, even the big agencies are struggling to locate sources of financial support.