Newsletter - Issue 13 - Sept 2022
Our News
Pop In’s values stand at the core of everything we do, they enable us to bring energy, commitment and non-judgement to the well-being of all those we work with and to the success of Pop In.
Over the coming newsletters we will feature some of the stories that demonstrate our values in action.
This month we will focus on kindness, dignity and respect. For us, this set of values is fundamental as we welcome all women and children who are navigating through the complexities of domestic violence and abuse with respect, kindness and in a non-judgemental way, irrespective of income, status or background. Some might say a challenging set of behaviours, but without experiencing the behaviours that wrap around these values, it is difficult to move forward, to feel part of a community, to thrive.
I would like to welcome our newest board member, Peter Rowe.
Peter Rowe is a company director, a retired solicitor and former partner of what is now Herbert Smith Freehills, where he is now a consultant. At HSF he practised in Financial Services and Securitisation and, amongst other roles, was head of the Financial Services Group and Client Relationship Partner for a number of clients. He also acted for a number of pro bono clients, where his work was recognised by the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award in Australia and as a finalist for the Justice Medal awarded by the NSW Law and Justice Foundation. As well, he was one of the founding members of the firm’s Pro Bono Committee, on which he continued to serve after his retirement as a partner. Peter has over 20 years experience, including as Chairman, as an independent director, and committee member for listed and unlisted entities in Australia and Singapore and in the not for profit sector.
Peter will be a very valuable new member of our board and we all look forward to working with him.
I would also like to acknowledge the Wingecarribee Women Writers who are raising funds to create a lasting monument to Charlotte Atkinson (1796-1867). Charlotte, who lived at Oldbury Farm, and is buried in Sutton Forest, was one of the most accomplished women of her era. She was Australia's first published children's book authors; a trail blazer in women's education; and a pioneer in the fight for women's legal rights. You can find out more about Charlotte by visiting: https://www.wwomenwriters.org
Vicki Kelley, Chair Pop In
Our Results
Pop In has supported 18 Mums and 28 children to re-engage since the commencement of Play and Chat in December last year. We've provided weekly healthy home cooked meals in partnership with Oz Harvest donations to Mums, their children and families. We have a supply of womens' clothing, babies necessities, blankets that have been donated by the kind local community including the 86 year hospitalised woman who made sure, via Red Cross, that her homemade donations came to us.
Our Community
One of our most important values at Pop In is kindness. Kindness of the community, the local who drops in fresh flowers every week, the Mahjong group who collect a small donation from each member each week and then donate the cash to us which means we can provide immediate support, kindness of the volunteers who give up their time and go the extra mile to make sure things get done, and, very importantly, large donors who allow us to operate.
Pop in was able to show kindness to this client in the last month:
Jane was able to find care for her child over the school holidays but was unable to get them there due to work schedules which meant she either had to forgo a days work or find an alternative. The service offered no assistance with this, she sought assistance from other transport providers however the costs were prohibitive. Pop In volunteers were able to complete the drop off and pick up, this meant that Jane could work (and pay the rent), her child was able to engage with peers and facilitators and Pop In was able to meet with the service providers and discuss the potential for a placement closer to home in the next holidays. We also had the opportunity to have great drive time chats with the child and identify some other services which might support the family moving forward.
The dictionary says that kindness is defined as the quality of being friendly, generous, and considerate without expecting praise or reward in return.
But kindness means so much more ...
Kindness goes beyond merely being nice, being kind is doing intentional, voluntary acts of kindness. Not only when it’s easy to be kind, but when it’s hard to be. Kindness is a chain reaction. It’s a wave that keeps rolling, and all it needs is one person to start it. If we are all focused on being kind, we are creating a movement of change. One of the best ways to model kindness to others is by being intentional about it! Volunteer, give compliments, donate to charity, hold the door for someone; there are so many ways to be an example of kindness. We learn right and wrong through association and modelling. When you see someone being kind or notice it from a family member or friend, make sure to tell them you appreciate what they did. Positive reinforcement reminds us to act with intention.
Some thoughts to reflect on!
What was the last act of kindness that you received? How did it make you feel?
Now, can you think of the last act of kindness you completed? How were you kind to someone else? How did it make you feel?
What would happen if you committed to performing at least one act of kindness every day?
Our People
Georgina Hamilton
Georgina came to Pop In as a student in late 2021 and quickly became an integral part of the team. Georgina is the voice who greets you when you call and is for many women the first face they meet when they come through the doors as our intake case worker. Georgina brings a wealth of skills to Pop In and has a particular interest in supporting women through the legal and justice systems.
