Newsletter - Issue 5 - November 2021
Our news
Introducing the Black Box Parenting Program
Right from the beginning, Pop In’s board members saw our service offering a safe haven and a support for women experiencing domestic abuse - but we also imagined going much further. We imagine walking alongside women and their children on their path to recovery. We can even imagine playing a role in putting an end to domestic violence.
That’s one of the reasons we’re pleased to be rolling out the Black Box Parenting program. Put very simply, it’s a parenting course for families that have experienced trauma. It’s for parents who are no longer in crisis and are safe enough to allow time for reflection and to try new strategies.
“The Black Box Parenting program is for parents who find their experiences of abuse, neglect and violence get in the way of them engaging in mainstream parenting groups and implementing the strategies they teach.”
Black Box Parenting will begin early next year in Pop In’s new playspace in the backyard and the surrounding sensory gardens that we hope to finish early next year. Each course will run fortnightly over 10 weeks. For more information, contact Pop In.
Strategic Planning Day
We were pleased to get the Pop In board members together recently for a full day of strategic planning. It was incredible to look back on where we started and reflect on how far we’ve come - from an idea hatched over a meal with friends, to setting up the cottage itself, to working with referral services, and actually helping women and their children on their path to safety from domestic abuse. We have big plans for 2022, and we’re looking forward to sharing them with you.
Thanks to the wonderful team at Springfield Farm for hosting us, and especially for the delicious lunch!
Vicki Kelly, Chair
Our results
When it comes to leaving an abusive partner, the road is never straight and clear. Pop In’s caseworkers walk alongside women on their path to safety, no matter where it winds. Sarah contacted Pop In when she’d already left home and was couch-surfing with friends. She was deeply concerned about protecting her privacy, and we were able to address her worries and get her in touch with the supports she needed.
We’ve changed some details to protect Sarah’s anonymity, but this is the true story of a woman from the Wingecarribee - your neighbour, your colleague, your friend.
Our community
This month we’re sending a big thank you to Alison and the whole team at Waratah Building. Every year they take part in the Tri Husky Festival, raising more than $4K for the Make A Wish Foundation this year. Next year, they aim to be even bigger & better - their team will consist of friends, family, clients, suppliers, business groups and individuals who want to get involved. They’re even offering group training days on the track and in the pool.
And they’ve nominated Pop In as the charity they’re raising money for.
Waratah Building are calling for anyone who’d like to join their team. Simply register your interest at their website. There are sponsorship deals for businesses to get involved too.
Our people
We’d like you to meet Michele Lanigan, Pop In’s manager. She’s responsible for overseeing all Pop In’s services, including case management and support. A big part of her role is ensuring that all the support services in the community know what Pop In is about and how it can help women who have experienced domestic abuse. Her background working with organisations that help people who have experienced trauma like homelessness and disasters means Michele knows her way around the community sector - and she’s well placed to educate the public on domestic abuse.
Michele said she was drawn to Pop In’s philosophy from day one: “Being community driven and funded allows Pop In to be more responsive to identified needs within the community, and to explore a range of solutions that might not be available with more traditionally funded service models.”
“Pop In provides a service without red tape. There are no strict eligibility criteria, other than living or working in the local community. Service is not time limited: women can move in and out of the service as they need to. We provide a safe, secure place for women to visit and be part of the Pop In community.”
Welcome, Michele. We’re glad to have you on board to walk alongside women on their path to safety and empowerment.
Our partners
Dirty Janes is a true Australian family business. Run by the dynamic father-daughter duo Athol Salter and Jane Crowley, as well as son-in-law Bob, Dirty Janes offers a unique shopping experience in the heart of the Southern Highlands - and, since 2020 - in Canberra too. Jane is also a Pop In supporter, and she offered to donate the proceeds from some very high-end products listed for sale on the Dirty Janes Instagram feed. How could we say no? If you’d like to get involved too, Jane would be happy to help.
Banter Group is a can-do marketing agency full of straight-talking, informed and innovative professionals who deliver marketing solutions, without the fluff and bravado. Based right here in Bowral, the Banter team works with local clients as well as those much further afield. Led by the talented Valentina Borbone, Banter Group is Pop In’s marketing partner and responsible for much of the beautiful design work and strategy that helps us inform the community about how we can work together to put an end to domestic abuse.
Learn more
Get in touch online or by emailing admin@popin.org.au
Phone us on 02 4872 1229
Pop In is open Monday to Friday between 9am and 4pm. Make an appointment to visit 2 Mona Rd, Bowral.
This service is for women who live in the Wingecarribee LGA. Visitors from other areas will be referred to support closer to home. Women of all ages, ethnicity and socio-economic backgrounds are welcome.
