Uniting Communities Supporter Newsletter


SPRING 2020


You have brought


In our last issue of Unite we shared the inspiring story of Jo’s, a safe place for young people to go when they have nowhere else to turn.


We’re stronger together


Our two Jo’s houses – Jo’s Gould and Jo’s Murrell – provide a safe, stable home environment, therapeutic support, and an opportunity for young people to spend time with parents and family members, where possible,


to continue connection. While the houses are comfortable, they are urgently in need of a facelift.


“Young people in Jo’s have been through so much in their lives, having been removed from their families; the trauma they have experienced is devastating to them,“ said Paula May, Service Manager of Jo’s. “For this reason we want to provide a loving and welcoming family home environment, ensuring the same quality that we seek in our own lives – a home that is clean and tidy, with high quality furnishings and beautiful gardens in which they can enjoy their childhood years.”


We asked for your help to make this happen – and we were overwhelmed with your response. Coordinators have been enthusiastically planning for the ‘new look’ homes and plan to use the donated funds in two areas.


joy to Jo’s “


UC5486_Uniting communities Unite newsletter_6 pages_Spring 2020.indd 1-3 Thanks to you, we’ll be able to rejuvenate our Jo’s homes and gardens


The existing gardens will be revitalised with new bark, separation edging and plants – something that the Jo’s team has dreamed of completing for some time. With active young people using the backyards for basketball, scooters and play, the areas are now quite worn out.


To have these donations for Jo’s is simply incredible, and beyond our wildest dreams. This support has made an incredible impact, not only for the young people, but for staff too. It’s given us a new-found excitement. We cannot thank donors enough for their kindness.” Claire, Senior Coordinator.


Raised garden beds will be installed for seasonal vegetables and herbs, creating opportunities for young people to enjoy learning about sustainable gardening.


The outdoor areas will be further enhanced with new furniture at both houses. Jo’s Murrell will have a new outdoor dining setting to enjoy warm summer night BBQs, sitting outside together as a family. Jo’s Gould will have some new comfortable chairs to set up the shed as a chill-out space for young people.


“I was truly overwhelmed to receive such incredible support for Jo’s. It can be pretty tough sometimes – our young people are dealing with the effects of trauma they have endured, so to know people are thinking of us and really care is so heart-warming,” said Claire, Senior Coordinator at Jo’s Murrell.


Thank you so much for bringing such joy to Jo’s.


To make a donation today please call (08) 8202 5110 or visit www.unitingcommunities.org Thank you so much for your generous support.


Printed on paper produced in Australia from sustainable forests.


Featured in this issue


 Support during unprecedented times, thanks to you  Thanks to you, Lifeline is answering calls and saving lives  You have brought joy to Jo’s


UNITING COMMUNITIES 15/9/20 4:08 pm


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