b'Hope and warmth thanks to you.For many across Australia, winter broughtCreating with it concern and crisis. These cold months amplified challenges likeconnections homelessness, food insecurity and violence.Your support has meant many people have not had to face these difficulties alone. on and off Behind every number is a persons story.Thanks to your kindness, many of these storiesLucy * the court.now speak of healing, opportunity and hope. Your contributions are directly supporting programs that empower individuals torebuild their lives, foster resilience and After fleeing family violence reach long-term stability. Lucy did not have a safe As we step into spring, we carry with us theplace to live. With UnitingsAs a Community Connector for Unitingsa 12-year-old boy who described sport as his reminder that community care can change lives. support, she regainedFamily Preservation and Reunificationhappy place. From the moment he stepped Thank you for standing with those in crisis. program in the Wimmera, Laura Bailey isonto the court, Christians natural ability was Your support has made a lasting difference in stability, found work andpassionate about helping families buildclear. The coaches were so impressed with his the lives of those across Victoria and Tasmania. long-term accommodation,confidence, develop new skills and connecttalent and determination that they approached rebuilding her life with dignity,with their communities. Laura to discuss inviting Christian to join their confidence, and a fresh start. Recently Laura organised a basketball eventongoing weekly basketball academy.with Benbow Basketball Academy, chosenIts about giving families the confidence to Food For Families.for its strong reputation in offering children astep into community spaces, try something Thanks to you. safe, supportive and fun environment to learnnew and see whats possible, Laura said. basketball. Their gentle, individualised coachingHighlighting how one simple event can lead As the cost of living rises, many familiesapproach ensures every child feels supported,to big opportunitiesand how community across Victoria and Tasmania have found itregardless of their starting point.when it comes togethercan help young increasingly difficult to put food on the table.Among the children who attended was Christian,people thrive.Thanks to your donations, this year we have received over 65 tonnes of food and household essentials, which is equivalent to 129,596 meals.Food For Families isnt just about providingSupporting the Afghan Community.meals, its about restoring dignity and choice Earlier this year, Unitings Komak team to people facing hardship.launched Keeping Afghan Girls Active, Whether its a hot meal, toiletries, or cleana new program designed to remove the socks, these basics mean comfort and dignitybarriers that prevent many Afghan girlsfor families and people without a home. We seeGabbi * and women from taking part in sport.the impact every day, and were so grateful, says Unitings Ringwood Emergency ReliefSleeping in a car whileKomak, which means help or support Coordinator, Fleur. pregnant, Gabbi never gavein Dari, is a specialised service supporting Afghan refugees as they navigate challenges up. Uniting supported herlike language barriers, social isolation, To find out more about Foodand her partner Jesse to findhousing, discrimination, and access to For Families or start your ownhousing, helping her study,education and training.collection, scan the code or visit Through this latest initiative, Komak is foodforfamilies.org.au find stability, and finally movepartnering with local sporting clubs to offer into a safe home with herculturally inclusive programs that create safe, young family. welcoming spaces for Afghan women andParticipants can try their hand at a variety girls aged 12 to 25. The aim is to foster fitness,of sports, including cricket, soccer, volleyball wellbeing, confidence, and connection toand swimming, developing new skills and *The names of the people featured in these stories have been changedcommunity. All through the power of sport. friendships along the way. to protect their privacy and the photos used are for illustrative purposes only and are not pictures of the people featured in the stories.6 Supporter Newsletter Spring 2025 Supporter Newsletter Spring 2025 7'