Making children feel safe and loved

Inside this issue:

Safe homes Keeping siblings together

Healing childhood trauma Josh the joker

Supporting struggling families Free from violence

MagazineIssue 7, 2018

Restoring

hopes & dreams

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Berry Street has a long and proud history of working with Victoria’s

most vulnerable children and I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead the organisation and work with such a caring and committed team of staff, carers, volunteers and supporters.

My career in the community sector has largely focussed on working

with people who are chronically homeless. Through this work I have seen

the devastating impact a traumatic and dysfunctional childhood can have on people’s

lives. This role allows me to focus my skills and experience on those crucial early years and assist vulnerable children and young people to live life to their full potential.

The recently concluded Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse and the Victorian Royal Commission into Family Violence have shone a spotlight on what happens when we, as a community, do not take care of children and young people. The inquiries have also led to increased investment by the Victorian Government in critical services and a reform agenda that aims to make our systems for protecting and caring for young people as effective as possible.

Berry Street is a key partner in this process and is part of creating a future where better outcomes can be achieved for the most vulnerable in our community. I am very proud to be able to shepherd this wonderful organisation through its next phase and look forward to getting to know you.

Michael PeruscoChief Executive Officer

Content

3 Message from our new CEO

4 Safe Homes — Keeping siblings together

6 Healing Childhood Trauma — Josh the joker

8 Supporting Struggling Families — Free from violence

10 Advancing Children's Learning & Development — Pathways: Passport to the future

12 Knowledge Development & Advocacy — Helping children impacted family violence

13 Leaving a gift in your Will — "They used to call me Santa Claus!"

14 Community & Corporate Involvement — Teams in action

15 How to get involved

15 Thank you for delivering Christmas wishes

Contact UsCENTRAL OFFICE

1 Salisbury Street, Richmond, VIC 3121

P: (03) 9429 9266 F: (03) 9429 5160

email: supportus@berrystreet.org.au web: www.berrystreet.org.au

ABN 24 719 196 762

Connect With Us

Berry Street would like to thank the models who appear in our publications to protect the identity of our clients.

Welcome to the Summer issue of the Berry Street Magazine.

Message from our new CEO

Berry Street Magazine4

Safe Homes

Can you picture three children sitting in our intake room? They’re dishevelled, frightened… And each of them shows the signs of trauma we see every day at Berry Street.

The eldest is Jenny. She’s twelve years old and is clearly intelligent. Yet she can’t make eye contact and seems to have no self-confidence. Then there’s John. He’s ten years old and has

Keeping siblings together

an intellectual disability. He’s not able to speak, and struggles to understand what’s happened in his difficult, young life. The youngest is Annie. She also has an intellectual disability, and is so hyper-vigilant and anxious she can’t sit still – it’s a classic fight-or-flight response and is painful to see in a three-year-old.

When we meet children like Jenny, John and Annie, we know what they need most of all is to

Issue 7, 2018 5

feel safe. This is what makes your generosity and compassion so important in supporting our vital work.

With your support, we were able to find, train and support carers to look after these children and keep them together. This is so important in terms of providing stability, connection, and helping children recover from the trauma they have experienced. And in this case, we are also working closely with a local disability organisation to make sure John and Annie’s special needs are taken care of.

A year later, the three children are doing well! They’re still together, and they’ve developed lovely trusting relationships with their foster carer and our dedicated staff.

Jenny has started high school, and she’s playing netball every Saturday (with her carers there as a cheer squad!). Her confidence has grown so much, and her smile is a big as ever. John is learning to communicate, and really enjoys his outings to the wildlife park. His spark has returned – so much that he’s known for being able to demolish a bowl of chicken nuggets! Little Annie is still our pocket rocket. She’s strong and independent for her age. And with a lot of love, she’s settling into a special school with her brother.

Best of all, mum has remained connected to the children and has started coming to netball too. We’re working with the family to rebuild healthy relationships, and stop the cycle of abandonment and despair.

Thank you for your vital part in making children feel safe.

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Josh is known for being kind and funny. “He has a great sense of humour,” his Berry Street case worker says, ”but despite his kindness for others, Josh has difficulty being kind to himself.”

You see, Josh has been living in residential care and he’s showing signs of stress and trauma. He has significant hearing loss, and an intellectual disability, which make it hard to settle into school or express his feelings. As you can

imagine, he has outbursts of great frustration and hurt.

With your support, our Take Two team were able to worked closely with the staff at Josh’s residential unit, and the teachers at his school, to ensure they were supported and kept informed every step of the way. We’ve started bi-weekly therapy sessions with the help of an Auslan interpreter.

Healing Childhood Trauma

Josh the joker

Issue 7, 2018 7

Our Take Two staff were able to assess Josh’s sensory skills and processing abilities and identified the sensory stimuli that most stressed and aggravated him. Our Occupational Therapist also worked with Josh to help him use calming strategies when he was feeling overwhelmed. And it’s making a world of difference in this young boy’s life!

Most of all, your support means we can stand alongside Josh so he feels heard, respected and encouraged. Each step of the way has been gradual, but always in a positive direction. Josh won't achieve the same milestones as his typically developing peers — but this has never been the goal.

Two years later, Josh is enjoying school and achieving realistic goals. His teachers say he’s happier and less emotionally reactive. Plus, he’s more settled at home too — displaying more self-esteem. And the spark in his eye tells us Josh the joker is back!

Thank you for bringing a spark back to children’s eyes, when it has been lost.

Staff identified the ways that Josh felt respected and encouraged, and always built on these strengths during therapy sessions.

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Supporting Struggling Families

You may remember we’ve written before about Samara, a young woman who came to Australia with her husband, Christof, after an arranged marriage. Far from the safety of family and home, she found herself living a nightmare. Christof severely physically assaulted her, and conducted criminal activities from their home.

Samara fled in fear, ending up in a refuge where she discovered she was pregnant. She went back to Christof because she was afraid she’d be homeless with a new baby.

The cycle of abuse might have continued, except Christof was arrested and imprisoned for possession of a weapon and drugs. And for threatening to kill Samara.

Free from violence

Issue 7, 2018 9

Supporting Struggling Families

At eight months pregnant, Samara was referred to Berry Street. She came to meet with us, joined by Christof’s mother – who told our Family Violence team that Samara was responsible for her son’s incarceration. She tried to bully Samara to return to court and remove the Apprehended Violence Order after Christof’s release from prison.

Thankfully, our Family Violence practitioners are very skilfully trained in managing dangerous situations.

Even more importantly, meeting her practical need for safe housing and community connection, as homelessness and isolation often force mums like Samara to remain dependent on violent partners.

And critically, we’ve helped Samara create a Safety Plan for after Christof’s release.

Your generosity has meant these interventions were timely and life-changing. Samara has now given birth to a healthy baby! They’re still in regular connection with our Family Violence team, and are working together to make sure Samara doesn't need to rely on Christof or his family again.

Our staff worked alongside Samara to help her understand the risks of violence to herself and her baby.

Berry Street Magazine10

Advancing Children's Learning & Development

Berry Street’s Pathways to the Future program is an innovative way for young people disengaged from education to develop their skills to become work-ready.

The Berry Street School is a specialist independent secondary school, run by Berry Street, with campuses across Victoria. Students at the school struggle with the mainstream education system and have had traumatic life experiences that make learning in a traditional classroom environment a challenge. Many have experienced violence, abuse and neglect so severe that they cannot live safely at home.

Research shows that young people who have lived in out-of-home care experience significant social and economic barriers to participation in the community, and poor educational and health outcomes (Child Family Community Australia, 2016).

Berry Street’s Pathways to the Future program responds to this issue, by supporting vulnerable students as they make the transition from school to further study or work through mentoring, career planning and skills development.

Pathways: Passport to the future

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Simon has lived in both residential and foster care since the age of 8 and was referred to the Berry Street School at the age of 14. His anxiety and social behaviours at school prohibited him from continuing in mainstream education.

Berry Street teachers have worked closely with Simon to build his trust and confidence, nurture his academic potential and passion for sport. Simon has participated in the Pathways program, exploring his career options and identifying his goals for the future. He is driven to work in the sports, recreation and fitness industry.

Through the Berry Street School, Simon has participated in local and cross-campus sports teams, undertaken work experience and successfully completed a Certificate II in Sports and Recreation. Completion of this certificate provides a pathway into further TAFE study when he finishes school and staff are now supporting Simon to apply for a Certificate III in Fitness and casual/part time work to complement his studies.

We rely on the support from our generous donors to fund this vital program. If you would like to know more about the program and how your support could help to build a future for our young people, please contact Loretta Mannix-Fell, 03 9421 7587 or email lmannix-fell@berrystreet.org.au.

This focus on practical, workplace-focused training provides an opportunity for our students to get recognised industry qualifications, with the continued support of the Berry Street School. For many students who are overcoming trauma, entering the world of work is especially daunting — they must overcome social anxieties and entrenched behaviours to take their first steps in the workforce.

Students in the program are supported to select and undertake relevant Vocational Education and Training (VET) Certificates, which make

up part of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning. Included in the VET program is: food handling and barista skills, traineeships and apprenticeships, or occupational training such as floristry or automotive repairs.

Pathways to the Future is a unique approach to building students' self-awareness and knowledge of the world of work, in a supportive environment that is tailored to vulnerable students and their specific and complex needs.

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Knowledge Development & Advocacy

The Berry Street Childhood Institute builds knowledge and skills for those working with vulnerable children and young people around Australia. One way they do this is by partnering with international speakers and trainers to share knowledge around helping vulnerable children, through conferences such as Safe and Together™.

The Safe and Together™ Model is an internationally respected approach for working with families impacted by domestic violence. David Mandel developed the Safe and Together™ model in the United States to improve case practice and cross system collaboration in domestic violence cases involving children.

In 2017 Berry Street decided to begin the process of implementing the Model across all our programs and a number of our staff have now been trained by the Safe and Together™ Institute.

We are delighted that David Mandel has decided to partner with the Berry Street Childhood Institute on the first Safe and Together™ symposium to be held outside the United

States. On 7th & 8th February 2018, we will host the inaugural Asia Pacific Safe & Together™ Model Conference at the Novotel Melbourne.

David will be joined by his associate, Heidi Rankin, in presenting a number of keynotes and workshops on the Model and its implementation. Also presenting are a number of managers and academics who will talk about their efforts to incorporate Safe and Together into Australian systems, services and practice.

This conference will help to increase the understanding of domestic violence as it relates to children, and through implementation of the Safe and Together™ Model, we’ll work to enhance the safety and wellbeing of children and families experiencing family violence.

Helping children impacted by family violence

Image: David Mandel

Issue 7, 2018 13

Leaving a gift in your Will

Malcolm Chestney is remarkably good at giving. “I like doing carpentry as a hobby and have made toys for Berry Street to distribute to their kids in care for Christmas,” he says with twinkling eyes.

“Some years ago I volunteered to collect toys from donors and deliver them to Berry Street. I didn’t wear a hat, but some of the donors called me Santa Claus!”

Malcolm’s compassionate heart doesn't just end when the Christmas decorations come down. He shares, “Through delivering toys for Berry Street at Christmas, I came to know the staff very well. I realised what an excellent organisation it was, and that they have helped countless children. It was natural that I should become a donor and, by extension, to make a bequest in my Will. I contacted my solicitor and it was arranged promptly.”

Malcolm knows the importance of a safe and happy childhood, and the impact it has on the rest of your life.

“I was luckier than the children that Berry Street helps,” he says, “I had a good childhood with loving parents. I was 25 when I met my wife, Pat. Now we have four children and nine grandchildren. If you have a happy childhood, you have the chance for a good life.”

He adds, “But if you have an unhappy childhood, the consequences can be horrific. It can lead to a lack of education, unemployment and even jail.”

We’re so grateful that Malcolm has been willing to commit not only time and heart for these children, but a powerful investment in Berry Street through his Will too. Giving in your Will really is the most effective way to change children’s lives – for generations to come. And this changes the future for all our children and grandchildren.

Malcolm simply says, “It gives me pleasure to know I’ll be helping children get over the trauma in their lives, so they can have a better childhood and life.”

He then added this message for you: “If you can help just one child have a better childhood and a better chance in life by giving a gift in your Will to Berry Street, then I implore you to do so.”

Thank you Malcolm! Your generosity is humbling and inspiring. And it’s changing children’s lives!

If you have any questions or would like a confidential chat about leaving a gift to Berry Street in your Will, please contact Loretta Mannix-Fell, 03 9421 7587 or email lmannix-fell@berrystreet.org.au Thank you for caring enough to make life better for children.

"They used to call me Santa Claus!"

Berry Street Magazine14

Associated Public Schools (APS)In the second semester of 2017 each of the of the 11 independent schools that make up the APS conducted various fundraising activities — casual dress days, BBQ’s, trivia nights and more. Berry Street was presented with a cheque for $17,500 at the APS October sports meet in Albert Park.

City 2 SeaIn November, 48 runners joined the first Berry Street City2Sea team to tackle the 15km and 5km courses, raising a total of $7,286.32.

Berry Bicycles

As part of our continued partnership with The Good Guys, staff members spent part of their professional development day building bicycles from scratch which were delivered to our Western and Eastern regions.

Berry BunnyVolunteers from Vanguard Investment helped at our Carers' Easter party in April. In July, as part of their ‘All Cans on Deck’ campaign, they collected thousands of food items to be distributed across our school campuses and programs. They also volunteered with painting and cleaning at our school.

Portsea Twilight Kick start your New Year goals with the Mornington Peninsula’s most scenic running event. Join the Berry Street team to test yourself on the 4km or 8km course at the Portsea Twilight on Saturday 6th January, while raising much needed funds for children in care.

Join the team here: portseatwilight18.everydayhero.com/au/berry-street-team

Sunset Series Join the Berry Street team and conquer the Summer Series in February and March. Choose from the 4km or 8km and run the Melbourne Zoo, Princes Park and the iconic Tan track while raising much needed funds for children in care.

You can join the team here: sunsetseries2018.everydayhero.com/au/berry-street-team

Thank you so much to all of the runners, swimmers, volunteers and their supporters who help to make these events such a success. If you have a community group or club who might be interested in raising funds for Berry Street, please contact Beth from the Berry Street team on 1800 237 797 or supportus@berrystreet.org.au.

Community & Corporate Involvement

Teams in action

How to

Get InvolvedThere are many ways that you can make a difference to the lives of disadvantaged children.

1. Join BerrySafe and make a Monthly GiftWhen you make a monthly gift of around a $1 per day, you are helping children have safe homes, a chance to recover from their abuse and to have a good childhood. We’ll send you a welcome pack and ongoing communications about how your gift is making a difference. Call 1800 237 797 or join now on www.berrystreet.org.au/berrysafe

2. Leave a Gift in Your WillBy leaving Berry Street a gift in your Will, you can help children and young people have the future and childhood they deserve. Leaving a gift in your Will is a profound way of showing that you care about future generations of vulnerable children and young people.

3. BerryFun – A great way to raise funds!By having a BerryFun fundraiser, you can help raise much needed funds for Berry Street. There are so many options to choose from – a morning tea, cinema event, a fun run or a BBQ. Contact us to get your own BerryFun pack today and start fundraising!

For more information please contact us:

1800 237 797 supportus@berrystreet.org.au

Our Vision is that all children have a good childhood, growing

up feeling safe, nurtured and with hope for the future.

Thank you for delivering Christmas wishes

Each year, supporters like you help us bring Christmas wishes to children who have suffered violence, abuse and neglect, by ensuring they have a special gift to open at Christmas and a message that someone cares.

Your continued support helped us reach our target of delivering more than 10,000 gifts to children and families in need this Christmas.

With the help of generous supporters like yourself, Berry Street made sure vulnerable children received not only a Christmas gift, but the knowledge that they are loved and special.

Online:

berrystreet.org.au

Call:1800 237 797

Mail:

1 Salisbury StreetRichmond VIC 3121

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All donations of $2 or more are tax deductible. Berry Street is committed to protecting your privacy. We will not disclose your information with any other charity. We may collect, use and disclose your personal information for purposes to process and record donations, provide receipts, contact you about our activities and to provide you with our newsletters, reports, invitations and requests for support. For more information or a full copy of our Privacy Policy, please visit berrystreet.org.au/privacystatement or phone us. If you prefer not to receive future communication from us, please call 1800 237 797. ABN 24 719 196 762. All client names and some identifying details have been changed. Thank you to the models who appear in our photographs to protect the identities of our clients.BS MAG JANDC 2018

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