b'EnliveningOp shops growth Helping break down staff and stores barriersWith more than 70 staff and 350 volunteers,Established in 2018, the Komak Afghan Support communities our op shops play an important role within ourServices program helps build resilience and communities. As well as making essentials suchcommunity connection amongst the Afghan as clothing, books and homewares affordablecommunity in south-east Melbourne. to those in need, and raising vital funds for ourKomak, meaning help or support in Dari, services, our op shops embrace Unitings values:supports Afghan refugees facing challenges imaginative, bold, respectful and compassionate.including language and communication barriers, The store windows put on amazing displayshousing, social isolation and discrimination, during events of significance that reflect Unitingseducation and training, and family unification. broad humanitarian values such as Wear It Purple We understand that when communities thrive, so do people. Day and Harmony Week. It also provides resources and opportunities to enable them to make informed decisions, Staff and volunteers often discover amazingadvocate for their rights, and contribute positive Empoweringtreasures that come into the stores fromchanges within their communities.We have worked alongside localgenerous donors. This year a volunteer at our communities across Victoria and Tasmania refugee women Prahran store uncovered what at first appearedAbdul, Team Leader at Komak, an Afghan for over 100 years. as baby clothes. However, upon inspection, andrefugee himself, understands the challenges Our team in Shepparton has concluded its 3-yearsome detective work, they were found to be arefugees can experience in a new country.It has always been our long-held beliefWorkforce of Multilingual Health EducatorsNorwegian babys costume dating back to theThe activities delivered by Komak play a vital that these communities deserve servicesNetwork (WOMHEn) project partnership with1880s, which are now safely in the hands of therole in restoring hope, stability and resilience that will enable them to thrive. That isWomens Health Goulburn Northeast. Hardinger Fold Museum in Norway. to the lives of refugees by helping them rebuild why we continue to provide vital supportThe WOMHEn project delivered in-language andtheir lives and pursue brighter futures despite for individuals, families and communitiestailored health and wellbeing support to womenFind out more the challenges they face.in metropolitan, rural and remote areasin Shepparton from culturally and linguistically in both states. We work to create deepdiverse (CALD) backgrounds. It highlighted theFind out moreconnections and we often do this through collaboration and partnerships with like- importance of place-based, community specificNorlane mobile minded organisations and governments tostructures and systems to enable more just and ensure everyone has equal access to theequitable healthcare in rural CALD communities. emergency relief pilot services they need. Our bicultural staff, who themselves haveThis year we trialled a new mobile service to invaluable lived experience, were instrumental provide critical food relief to people in northern in encouraging hundreds of women to participateGeelong. With a new emergency relief van, our East Bairnsdalein sessions provided by specialist health providersdedicated team of volunteers hosted a weekly Community Hub and delivered in Arabic, Dari, Hazaragi and Swahili.food pantry at Rosewall Community Centre.Having taken over management of the EastA woman who attended a healthy eating sessionThis collaborative new service was made Bairnsdale Community Hub in 2022, weresaid she was motivated to act on the advice givenpossible with a grant from Give Where You Live continuing to honour the community-focusedduring the session. Foundation. The Geelong Food Relief Centreservices locals have come to depend on fromThis kind of information is really needed in ouralso generously donated a wide variety of fresh this vital hive of activity. The Hub is a one-stopcommunities because many parents, includingfruit and vegetables as well as easy meals. shop for locals to find support, creativity andmyself, are struggling to convince their kids [whoPantry staples and personal care items were fun. When theyre not providing hot meals andare reluctant] to eat my food. also made available.a food pantry on Tuesdays and Thursdays, theLocal parent, Abeer Dawood said the mobile Hub helps people with computer services, freeservice helped her feed her family of seven.haircuts, art workshops, employment support,It [the mobile service] is a very good thing,cooking programs, story time and much more. it takes some of the pressure off and makesFind out more it easier to put food on the table. More about our ER services22 Uniting Vic.Tas and Uniting Housing Annual Report Uniting Vic.Tas and Uniting Housing Annual Report 23'