I'd have to admit that my take-away from last week's meeting was astonishment at the level of need in our community.  As Rotarians we are used to helping people and lending assistance but Lutheran Community Care is helping people in very urgent circumstances - homelessness, unemployed, illiterate or actually needing food to put on the table.  While the Barossa is often viewed as a bit of a playground, definitely a fun place to live, there are people living amongst us in dire need.

 

Last Thursday's speaker, Helen Walker, began with LCC's vision statement - Strong caring communities inspired through the love of God.  She added it is not a religion-based organisation and they will extend a helping hand to anyone in need, regardless of their beliefs.

 

Helen has an extensive job portfolio having worked for 10 years in the wine industry before leaving for England where she worked in management.  It was here she met Chris and they married and now have two children.  They returned to the Barossa and in 2013 Helen started work with Lutheran Community Care at their premises in Second Street, Nuriootpa.

 

Helen said that LCC has 130 paid staff and 500 volunteers at nine sites and 50 ongoing community programs.  The work they do includes:

 

Emergency relief; referring homeless people for assistance, food vouchers or people can come into Second Street and get something from the 'pantry'.  At Christmas there are food hampers (400 last year) and gift bags for kids (500 last year) at a cost of $57,000, $47,000 of which was donated.

 

Financial Counselling;  assistance in mortgages, loans, credit card management, budgeting, utilities and bankruptcy.  Budget case workers are available for 1 1/2 hour sessions for those who need this service.

 

Relationships Counselling; confidential counselling available to singles, couples or families dealing in such matters as family dispute resolution, domestic violence and youth homelessness.

 

Community Visitors Scheme; run by volunteers this aims to establish links with the elderly to reduce loneliness, anxiety and isolation.

 

There is also AA meetings each Wednesday night and assistance with Centrelink each fortnight.  

 

So, quite a full dance card!  Obviously any help through donations of food, blankets, cash or just your time would be greatly appreciated. If you would like to be involved, Helen's number is 8562-2688.