The revenue from Doncare's op shops support program delivery. Doncare has established a reputation for connecting people in the community. The philosophy "by the community, for the community" remains true to Doncare's core business of strengthening and supporting the local community through helping others overcome adversity and to the ethos of volunteering. Despite the perceived wealth, Manningham
, like most affluent communities, has pockets of disadvantage and people living in extreme hardship. Doncare identifies and responds to community needs and gaps in service provision by offering free or low cost services. Doncare is the first point of contact for people in emotional or financial crisis, or in need of practical support. FAMILY VIOLENCE RECOVERY - Doncare provides emotional and practical support to women and children who have experienced domestic violence. Doncare support programs include specialist counselling, creative interpersonal therapy groups and parenting after violence. The DAWN mentoring program matches trained volunteers as mentoring support for women recovering from the ramifications of domestic violence. INFORMATION AND EMERGENCY RELIEF - Trained Community Support Workers provide financial and material assistance to families experiencing emotional or economical hardship. The “Back to School” and “Student Wellbeing” brokerage programs provide disadvantaged children with essential school equipment costs and the costs of participating in valuable school activities such as camps and extra curricular activities. The aim is to help families with children and young people avoid stigma and social exclusion from their peers. SOCIAL SUPPORT FOR SENIORS-It is well proven that social interaction and community connection lift the spirits and improves wellbeing for the individual. Doncare provides a range of community based social and recreational opportunities for socially isolated older people. Our aim is to support elderly citizens to achieve an enjoyable, active, satisfying and rewarding quality of life through the provision of social support groups. Volunteers support the participants during the outings and can provide transport to and from their homes. COUNSELLING – Doncare provides specialist family violence and trauma counselling as well as supporting people with anxiety, depression, grief, loss and other issues. Qualified and fully supported volunteer counsellors offer low cost counselling to help individuals overcome their personal challenges. Doncare works in partnership with tertiary institutions to train counsellors of the future. CASE MANAGEMENT – Doncare provide generalist casework support for people who are experiencing multiple complex issues
INTEGRATED FAMILY SERVICES – Doncare provide in-home support services for families experiencing difficulties. Families who will benefit from the service are referred from a variety of different local sources, many of whom continue to be involved as we work with the family. The large majority of referrals come from Child Protection, however Doncare do receive a significant number of families seeking assistance for themselves. OPPORTUNITY SHOPS – Doncare operates an online store and 7 opportunity shops managed by volunteer Committees of Management and staffed by over 320 volunteers.
