Jewish House Annual Report 2014

GROWTH
20
14
A
N
N
UA
L
RE
PO
RT
Growth does not come easily,
it requires sustained effort to achieve.
Thank you for the crisis
counselling course I attended at
Jewish House - one of my closest
friends attempted to commit suicide
on Rosh Hashana and called me.
I firmly believe that the lessons
I learned helped. I reflected on
what we were taught, I applied
them and B'H between me,
Hatzolah and the ambulance we
were able to save her, even though
she was very close to death,
having taken a massive overdose
before we managed to get to her.
Hilary, Trained Crisis Line Volunteer Operator,
Jewish House
3
The success of Jewish House is in its ability to grow. While
the balance sheet, volume of services and access to facilities
are important measurement tools, there are two other critical
factors which play a pivotal role in determining the validity of
the growth of Jewish House. The first is the ability of the people
who we assist to grow as individuals, to turn the corner and find
their way again. Sadly the other indicator is the growth in need
for our services.
Our story in the past year is one of consistent growth. It is
told not just in numbers but though the eyes of our staff and
our clients.
Our Vision
Improving the well being and independence of people in crisis
by ensuring the best possible outcomes.
Our Mission
Providing the highest standard of support and help to
people in crisis, integrating them into the community in
a productive and safe environment.
Values & Beliefs
• Act with integrity and honesty in all our undertakings
•R
elevance and accountability for the services we provide
to the community
•R
espect for the rights, differences, and dignity of all
in our community
•N
on-denominational and flexible to the diverse needs
of individuals
• Immediacy in our response to the needs of the homeless
in our community
• Selfless service through leadership
Jewish House recognises the important role played by its staff. In return the organisation ensures they are provided with
• People helping people
job security, areas of high responsibility and management acceptance for recommendations based on their expertise.
As the organisation grows, we have adopted a more flexible approach with our loyal and dedicated staff, enabling and
Contents
encouraging their desire to give back to society.
Vision, Mission, Values and Beliefs 4
The year that was
16
Our Staff
5
Support21
Co-President’s Review
6
Finance and treasurer’s report
22
The values, skills, attributes and commitment of our staff are key to the organisation’s success and reputation, in providing
help to the needy. The professional development opportunities afforded to Jewish House staff enhances and improves
service quality, as well as assisting with staff retention. The Board of Management, Chief Executive Officer, staff and myself
are all committed to encouraging the pursuit of training and development opportunities. We also offer staff performance
Insights8
Highlights23
management processes, to support and equip them with the skills and competencies required for the various roles at
CEO Review
Services
Jewish House.
10
Back cover
Joseph Zammit, General Manager, Jewish House
4
5
Co-President’s Review
Dear Friends,
This year marks the 30th anniversary of the
inception of Jewish House.
To meet this demand we have expanded our
Many thanks to our community friends who generously
accommodation services with the opening of our new
participate in these each year. We would like to thank the
facility at Bondi Rd, Bondi as well as supplementing our
sponsors and everyone who donated prizes and cash for
professional staff to support all the activities. To meet
our major fund raising events.
this growing demand and to help prevent the cycle of
Initially developed to assist people in crisis in
homelessness Jewish House launched ‘Project 2500’ at
Sydney’s Inner City and Eastern Suburbs, Jewish
Parliament House with the objective of helping 2500
House has expanded its service to be a non-
people in need over the next 3 years. Aside from the
denominational service helping people from all over
impact on the individuals and their families, this project
The Finances
We finished the year once
again with a healthy
balance sheet and with
On behalf of the Jewish House Board and Management we
a positive outlook. This
are very grateful for the generosity of all our donors and
has been made possible
supporters during the year. They enable us continue to
by the generosity of our
provide the service to families and individuals who are in
supporters. We also
crisis and homeless.
appreciate the support
Sydney and surrounds requiring crisis intervention.
will reduce the costs to our community, both
Since Jewish House began helping people in crisis 30 years
economically and socially.
Our People
ago, we have helped thousands of people by providing this
Jewish House’s service continues to receive an amazing
Much thanks goes to our CEO, Rabbi Kastel, whose
ever-growing range of core services.
amount of support from the local community, including
dedication and inspiration, together with his tireless
Our workload has continued to grow. We currently
subsidies received from other service organisations such
efforts, enable Jewish House to grow and be successful in
as Barnardo’s, who sponsor our Social Workers so we can
achieving its aims. We also thank his wife, Tzippy, for her
Over the next few years we are
help extend the help we provide to more families in need of
support in this endeavour.
committed to expanding our services to assist
answer approximately 30 calls per week that can be
considered crisis situations. Of these, we have housed
from the NSW Government
as well as a number of
Our new Bondi Rd facility
charitable foundations.
The Future
over 250 Individuals in the last financial year in our crisis
assistance. We greatly appreciate their continued support.
accommodation, not including children under 10 years old,
Jewish House’s main source of income is through
who has provided the Secretarial and Legal Council
plus another 56 people in our rapid rehousing program.
fundraising and this year our two main events ‘Our Gala
of Jewish House and thank her for her guidance and
We case managed approximately 150 non-residential
Dinner’ and ‘Golf Day’ were very well attended and
stewardship over the past year. Chana will continue to
successful. The proceeds of these will go towards helping
support Jewish House in the role of Honorary Solicitor
We are very appreciative of your support which is vital to
the needy in our community.
and Advisor.
ensuring we continue to grow so we can fulfil our goal of
clients this year. Our psychologists hold between them
approximately 1200 sessions per year and all the calls that
come through our office we like to believe are helped one
more individuals and families in crisis situations. We
We were sorry to see the departure of Chana Warlow-Shill
will become more involved in the rehabilitation of those
affected by a crisis and provide more long term support to
assist people back into their normal community setting.
people helping people.
Our Partnerships
way or another. Sometimes it is advice, sometimes it is
case managed
150
referrals to a more appropriate partner agency, and most
times it is hands on by Jewish House. Rabbi Kastel visits
approximately 3000 patients a year in the various hospitals
non-residential clients
where he is the Jewish Chaplain.
our services continue to grow.
approximately
of Directors for their dedication and leadership during the
the NSW Government initiative to help the homeless,
last 12 months and for their vision and overall governance
‘Going Home Staying Home’. A joint working agreement
housed over
250
As the numbers above show, the community demand for
Finally, our sincere thanks goes to the Jewish House Board
We are working with our partner organisations to support
of Jewish House’s directions.
with ‘Women and Girls’ ‘Wesley’, ‘Vincentia House’ and
‘Stepping Out’ will mean more people having
Roger Clifford and Gary Cohen
permanent accommodation.
Co-Presidents
individuals
3000
Jewish House Board – The following persons were directors of Jewish house during the year ending
30 June 2014 and up to the date of publication of this report.
hospital visits
1200
psychologist sessions
Rabbi Mendel Kastel CEO
Roger Clifford Co President
Gary Cohen Co President
Chana Warlow-Shill (resigned 21/7/2014)
Ruth Lilian OAM
Victor Berger (resigned 16/12/2013)
Sharonne Phillips
Barry Goldman
Ron Hirsch
Graham Einfeld OAM
(appointed 3 September 2013)
For more information, including biographies please visit www.jewishhouse.org.au/page/Board
6
7
Insight into the people Jewish House is assisting,
of which by far the largest percentage are women.
Michael Herman, Senior Psychologist
It is initially heartbreaking to see
a family or person homeless, their
life in chaos, without hope, and in
distress. However, with the support of
• Over 66% are aged 25-54 with mental health issues
the Jewish House staf f and partners,
• 68% of all people with mental health issues are women
it is wonderful to watch the process of
• Over 77% of clients with an illicit substance abuse
people evolve from this state of despair
are aged 25-54
• Over 58% of clients with an illicit substance abuse are women
• Nearly 65% of our clients are women with high to very high
to a position of personal power.
Christina Gold, Family and Children, Social Worker,
Jewish House
levels of psychological distress, which is particularly the
case when they are victims of violent crimes
• There are many types of violent crimes; 20% are
victims of multiple violent crimes and 22% are
victims of domestic violence
• 30% of victims of violent crimes are aged 35-44
• 73% of victims of violent crimes are women
• 80% of clients experiencing high
levels of psychological distress
are successfully housed
• 55% are placed in supported or
private accommodation
8
9
CEO Review
I believe that Jewish House remains a beacon of light in a world full of
This year saw the launch of our “Project 2500”.
tragedy and crises. Wherever I turn, I encounter people who are suffering
We launched it to parliament at the end of
and unable to help themselves, often through circumstances beyond their
2013 to a very positive response. The goal of
control. I am proud and motivated to see what a difference Jewish House
helping 2500 people over 3 years who are
and my staff make in people’s lives every day.
either homeless or at risk of becoming
homeless to find stable accommodation seems
very reachable looking at the current numbers.
I reiterate my sincere thanks to our partners
at PWC who assisted us with this project
by preparing a comprehensive report and
measurements formula.
I am also indebted to our amazing partners at
Jewish Centre on Ageing (COA) who we work
closely with to help those who are vulnerable in
the community.
My board of management need a special
mention for their dedication, commitment, hard
work and guidance. I believe that every one
of them contributes enormously using their
expertise, contacts and their valuable time.
It has been an incredible year of growth. Before
who require bulk billing services. Michael still
Much of my time is taken up with my
I focus on some of the people and services, I
dedicates much of his time to helping at the
chaplaincy duties. I still retain the portfolios
would like to draw your attention to some key
Montefiore Home where his gift for languages
of Jewish Chaplain to the hospitals, the NSW
statistics which tell the real story about the need
and ability to converse with the patients renders
Jewish Police, Maccabi, Reddam House and
we are addressing in the community. At a top
him indispensable. Michael is also responsible
NSW Board of Jewish Education (BJE). I run a
level, the infographics we have included gives
for producing the statistics based on our
monthly Friday night service at the COA which
you an understanding of the growth in the areas
experiences with clients who utilise our case
is well attended. We sometimes have Bat/Bar
where our services are most needed.
management services as well as our residents.
Mitzvah services there as well. I am often asked
We have grown our team of social workers with
Last year we purchased our new building
to do funerals and I’ve performed
the addition of Christina Gold. In addition, we
in Bondi Road. The renovations are now
a number of weddings in the last year.
have students from UNSW for work placement
completed, and since mid-January the building
Once again we built a Succah at the Prince of
with us, and who have proven to be of great
has been operating as an extension of Jewish
Wales hospital which was greatly appreciated
assistance. At this point, I would like to thank
House. It has been filled to capacity most
by the Jewish patients. We also ensured that
Jackie Drexler who has been doing our student
of the time. It is with thanks to Nora Goodridge
all Jewish patients had apples and honey at
supervision for us, enabling us to get the best
that this expansion has been so smooth
Rosh Hashanah, and that there were battery
results possible.
and seamless.
operated candles at all of the hospitals for the
Working closely with the social workers are
Our clientele in Bondi Road are continually
ladies who are not allowed open flames in
our psychologists Mandy Manne and Michael
expressing their gratitude for the opportunity
the wards.
Herman who work tirelessly and relentlessly
to get their lives back in order with the support
helping not only our residents, but many clients
and help of caring people.
10
11
Addressing the needs of our community
We held a Remembrance Service for NSW Police officers
Avremi Joseph also organised our two food appeals
who were wounded or killed on duty. We were honoured
together with Coles who have been more than generous
to have Deputy Commissioner Nick Kaldas as part of the
to Jewish House. I take this opportunity to thank the
service. It was held at Central Synagogue and was very well
management and staff of Coles for their generosity and
received. We are doing it again this year in October.
hard work facilitating our Yes We Can food drives.
Mediation and family disputes are areas where I work to try
We have held two successful Business Lunches with a
to pre-empt family breakdowns and help parents to deal
number of our corporate business partners who expressed
with difficult teenagers/children and wherever possible
a desire for an opportunity to work with Jewish House. They
retain “Shalom Bayit” - a peaceful home.
really valued the experience.
Our inter-agency partnerships are proving very successful in
I take this opportunity to thank my staff who are unfailingly
helping us to get the best possible outcomes for our clients.
supportive and dedicated and all have the client’s best
We have become a significant player, despite our limited
interests at heart.
staff and financial resources, in the homelessness arena and
Without the support and generosity of our donors, none of
are focused on working with as many existing agencies as
this would be possible. I want to personally thank each and
possible so as not to re-invent the wheel and still get the
every one of you for your ongoing friendship and I want
best possible outcomes for our clients.
you to know that every drop helps to fill the bucket and
whatever you give us is appreciated and well used.
An enormous amount of work goes into running our major
annual fundraising and awareness raising campaigns. There
I pray that I get continued strength to continue the work
are teams of people who make these events successful, I
that Jewish House is doing. It is an honour and privilege for
want to thank everyone who contributed. Kudos and special
me to have been given this responsibility and I will work as
thanks to Max Glatter who donated very valuable time and
hard as I am able to continue the growth of Jewish House.
expertise to ensuring the success of the annual Golf Day as
well as Nick Diamond and all the volunteers.
85
92
of clients with
MENTAL HEALTH
issues were successfully
accommodated
of clients who were
victims of CRIME
were successfully
accommodated
90
95
of clients were
placed in private
and supported
accommodation
of victims of
DOMESTIC VIOLENCE
were successfully
accommodated
%
%
%
%
Rabbi Mendel Kastel
1 October 2014
12
13
The most rewarding part of my
job is seeing a positive outcome for
clients, especially when they come
to us in difficult circumstances with
complex situations. To see a client
return to us happy and stable
makes it all worthwhile.
My door is always open to
clients needing support...
The most rewarding part of
my job is seeing a positive
outcome for clients...
Rosana Coelho, Head of Social Work,
Jewish House
14
15
The year that was
S.O.S – STUDENTS ON THE STREETS AT TARONGA ZOO
The following are highlights from a year filled with lots of events which
showcased Jewish House and contributed towards our growth.
We run an annual sleepout raising funds for the homeless,
with students from year 8-12 sleeping out under the stars to
simulate a night of homelessness for the past 4 years.
Sleeping out in open air, although in a covered and secure
PROJECT 2500
environment, enabled students to sample what being homeless
Working alongside PWC we
is all about and appreciate first-hand the challenges of being
developed a program ‘Project 2500’
homeless. This year, we added a new dimension to the campaign, by focusing the concept of a shared planet, thus we
with the objective to help 2500
are doing the sleepout in partnership with Taronga Zoo. In addition we are proud to be fundraising for the homeless at
people over a three year period
Jewish House along with the Sumatran Tiger, whose habitats are being cut down and making them “homeless.”
in Sydney’s Inner City and
Eastern Suburbs. It was launched
on the steps of Town Hall in
Sydney’s CBD. Gabrielle Upton MP
PROJECT HOPE
launched the ‘Project 2500’ Report
Dr Sam Kovac in collaboration with the Jewish House launched Project HoPe
in NSW Parliament.
to help Sydney’s homeless pets, vaccinating as many of them as possible from
L to R: Jack Pinczewski, representing The Hon.
common, yet deadly diseases.
Malcolm Turnbull MP and Jonathan O’Dea MP Member for Davidson
Project HoPe is another way of showing the homeless that the community is
there to support them, acknowledging how hard it can be provide pets with
basic needs. It was launched in August by Clover Moore, Mayor of Sydney.
#TIME4GOOD
As part of Homeless Persons’ Week (August 4th – 10th) we worked with the charity Professionals 4 People to release a
YouTube video documenting how a homeless man in Sydney named Alex was provided with a complete life makeover.
By donating a few hours of spare time, young volunteers from Professionals 4 People were able to help Alex end the
cycle of homelessness. Through the support of Jewish House, Alex was provided with stable accommodation, food, social
services, job training, a massage, medical and nutrition treatment, new clothes, a haircut, and even a vet for his dog, George.
The creators of the documentary,
Professionals 4 People are spearheading
the #time4good campaign encouraging all
Australians to consider small ways in which
they can do good for the community.
NEW BUILDING OPENING
Malcolm Turnbull MP officially opened 126 Bondi Rd,
Bondi in February. Owned and refurbished by Jewish
House, the building is part of our First Base / Rapid
Rehousing initiative aimed at providing step-up subsidised
housing. There are 14 units with a mix for singles, couples or
family units.
The main focus of the project is to assist people who are
homeless or at risk of becoming homeless but who, with
support, will be able to gain long-term employment and
sustain their tenancy. We continue to work with clients until
they are completely self-sufficient and integrated back
into the wider community. Even then, our open door policy
allows clients to return at any time in the future if they feel
www.youtube.com/watch?v=iRE0vAlE3ds
the need to talk or require further assistance.
16
17
The year that was
OTHER ACHIEVEMENTS
• Successfully tendered to Family and Community Services for the
Going Home Staying Home pre-qualification tenders to be classified
as a Specialist Homelessness Provider.
• Successfully applied with partners for Tenders with State Government.
• Employed an additional 2 Social Workers who are taking on the
case load of clients as per the Project plan.
• We have pruned the trees from the building which opens up more
light on the building and minimises the mess in the front.
• We have replaced the sewerage down the whole side of the building
which enabled us to repave the side of the building and redo the back
of the garden.
Everyday coming to work, seeing the hardships
of people and being able to smile at them, greet them and add
a little bit of light into their lives, brings meaning and joy to my
day. It adds value to what I do here at Jewish House.
Avremi Joseph, Project Manager, Jewish House
18
19
Support
Helping us fulfil the need
I have been at Jewish House
for nearly ten years and it
Jewish House believes in ‘people helping people’, and as such maintains
strong relationships with a number of community organisations. The
board and management of Jewish House work with these partner
organisations to ensure resources are not duplicated and that by working
together we can provide the best possible outcomes for the client.
has come to be my second
home; it is this feeling exactly
that we try to instill for our
clients. A place of refuge,
support and care, I am very
proud to be associated with an
organisation such as ours.
Mandy Manne, Head of Psychology Services,
Jewish House
We say thank you to all of our
volunteers for their passion and
commitment. They play such a
The organisations we work with on a regular basis, including some
vital role in our service to those
with which we have a memorandum of understanding, as well as the
in need, it would not be possible
supporters and donors who make our work possible are:
without each of them.
Ai Topper & Co
Max Employment
Bendigo Bank
Meriton Apartments
Bermeister Charitable Foun dation
Mr and Mrs M Salick
COA
Janice Bergheim
Mrs Nora Goodridge
Beverly Brandon
NAB
Chantel Cleminson
Naadine Sacks Photography
Sandra Cohen
News Limited
Les Cohen
Coles
Credit Suisse
Consult Point
DGX Australia
Eastgate Shopping Centre
Cedric Amoils
Tal Aronstam
Peter & Yvonne Halas
Shelley Diamond
Jakkie Drexler
Education Heritage Foundation
Pratt Foundation
Estate of the Late Herta Lucy
Prince of Wales Hospital
ESV Group
PWC
Firehold Pty Ltd
Reuben Peleman Benevolent Foundation
Max Glatter
Fivex Pty Ltd
Richard Scheinberg
Richard Hasten
Gandel Philanthropy
Roger Clifford
Lauren Hayman
Rose Bay North Cellars
Leah Joseph
Gary Cohen
Global Group
Goodridge Foundation
Harry Triguboff
Henry and Judy Spira
Eric Gehl
Alex and Irena Gelman
Agnes Kainer Geyer
Roth Charitable Foundation
Scott Winton Insurance Group
Seafolly
Kids Giving Back
Dr Sam Kovac
Rob Levy
Alice Lewin
Henry Shein Halas
Sofitel Wentworth
Helping Hand Group
St George Community Housing
Susan Modell
Invigor Group
Stuart Alexander
Shoshana Monk
Investec
Sydney Clinic
Sharonne Phillips
Jarvis
Sydney University
Evelyn Platus
Jason L Furniture
Taronga Zoo
Lyndi Polovnick
JB Were Philanthropy
Jetset Travel Rose Bay
Jewish Care
Jirsch Sutherland
Josh Miller
Mellisa Port
Terrace Tower Group
Port Family
Turnbull Foundation
Adele Rosenfeld
Vittoria Coffee
Albert Sasson
Visy
Gil Sher
Levy Foundation
World of Whiskey
Hilary Shil
Lions Club – Bondi
Waverley Council
Joe Singer
Lou’s Place
Westpac Bank
Elizabeth Zyl
Lowy Family Group
Yellow Brick Road
KWS Legal
20
Volunteers
21
Highlights
Finance and treasurer’s report
YEAR ENDED 30 JUNE 2014
Once again Jewish House has enjoyed a successful financial year with a surplus in excess of the previous year. Income from
fundraising and events, including donations and the Gala Dinner increased over last year. We were particularly pleased to
receive a substantial donation from one donor which made a significant contribution to the bottom line.
The purchase of the property at 126 Bondi Road was completed in August 2013 and the renovations to the property were
completed early in 2014. This major expenditure was funded from the donation referred to in the previous paragraph and
PASTORAL CARE
HOMEBASE
PSYCHOLOGIST VISITS
people
prevented from homelessness
people
CRISIS CENTRE
MEDIATION
people
people
1245
95
384
a loan from the National Australia Bank. Our thanks go the Bank for their assistance enabling Jewish House to provide this
important service to the Community. Accommodation revenue has now increased as a result of this facility being utilised by
our clients.
More recently the Board is making efforts to expand the range of services being provided by Jewish House and an
increased emphasis is being placed on fundraising to ensure the required resources to fund these services, will be available.
My thanks go the General Manager, Joe Zammit and his staff who have supported me in carrying out my duties as
259
HOSPITAL VISITS
96
4160
people
Treasurer and to PWC for the preparation and audit of the Financial Reports.
Graham Einfeld OAM - Treasurer
Finance Summary
2014
2013
2012
Total Income
$1,686,445
$1,122,442
$1,593,157
Operating Expenses
$1,338,686
$1,039,892
$827,331
Depreciation and Finance costs
$110,326
$49,130
$37,845
Surplus
$237,433
$33,420
$727,981
RAPID HOUSING
COMMUNITY BRIDGING
people
clients help themselves
40
24
22%
39%
Operational Revenue
for 2013/14
2013/14
23%
10% 5%
22
DONATIONS & APPEALS $382,226
SERVICE PROGRAMS $169,028
GALA DINNER $368,082
OTHER EVENTS $92,374
GRANTS FOUNDATIONS $664,452
OTHER INCOME $10,285
23
Services
24/7 Crisis Line – A unique service handling calls from anyone on an
unlimited range of cases including; drug and alcohol abuse, financial
distress, suicidal preoccupation, domestic violence and homelessness.
Our trained volunteer counsellors listen and assist, offering access to a
variety of services. The latest technology is used so emergency services
can be summonsed immediately and included in calls if required.
Counselling/Psychological and Psychiatric Services – A community
resource offering bulk billing, making psychological and psychiatric
assistance within the reach of anyone who requires it. Through close
associations with local facilities, such as the Sydney Clinic, St Vincent’s
Hospital, Prince of Wales Hospital, Royal Hospital for Women, Prince
of Wales Private and Wolper Hospital amongst others, referrals can be
easily made to the appropriate organisation, to achieve ideal outcomes
for the client.
Our story of growth
Crisis Accommodation – Established over 20 years ago as a refuge
for those emerging from drug and alcohol problems or those breaking
free from a cult, the service has expanded to accommodate clients
seeking refuge from violent relationships, homelessness or any other
circumstances that place them in a situation where they are without a
to meet the need will continue
with your support.
home. Our approach is to offer clients holistic care, by accessing our
other services and those of our partners.
Financial Counselling – Experienced Financial Advisors work with
clients to go through their finances and find the best solutions to try
and stabilise their situation. We have partnered with Max Employment
and Xcelerate to help the unemployed back into the workforce, through
their training programs and advice. For those unable to work at all
we assist them with Centrelink applications, advising them on their
entitlements and try to give them a means to live an independent and
1300 544 357
[email protected]
www.jewishhouse.org.au
dignified existence.
Mediation – Rabbi Kastel and our psychologists are experienced
mediators allowing people to work through their issues and reach
an agreement, even for the most complex of family conflicts.
Pastoral Care – Times of crisis inevitably raise questions of spirituality
and soul searching. We take the view that assisting clients in a crisis or
those emerging from a crisis must include an option to access spiritual
guidance. The pastoral care is provided by Rabbi Kastel who has two
decades of experience in assisting people in distress. This program is
usually administered as part of an overall counselling plan for a client.
17 Flood Street
Chaplaincy – Our culturally sensitive chaplaincy services are delivered
Bondi NSW 2026 Australia
by Rabbi Kastel for the NSW Police and Emergency Services, Wolper,
Prince of Wales and St Vincent’s Hospitals and for Reddam House
School. It is part of our philosophy of “people helping people”.
EDITING AND PROJECT MANAGEMENT BY COMMTOGETHER 0412 702 171
DESIGNED BY IMAGECORP 8096 9532
FEATURE PHOTOGRAPHY BY CONOR ASHLEIGH 0431 455 792