She is one of 20 Australians sharing in this year’s $1 million fund to help charities realise their goals of helping others in marginalised communities.
When the mother of six and high school teacher saw a growing need in the community, she set up her charity in 2018 but needed more support to not only continue but to develop her community programs.
The non-faith based, not-for-profit group was extremely active during Covid, providing around 400 hampers to struggling families every week and operating a referral service for housing and mental health, providing a work for the dole scheme, computer skills for seniors, homework help and personal development programs for children and adults.
Thrilled to be one of this year’s ‘Tomorrow Makers’, she plans to use the funds to hire a sewing teacher to grow CSS’ sewing project into a social enterprise after partnering with fashion brand Camilla.
“It was wonderful to win the grant as it takes off a bit of pressure,” she said.
“My goal is for our sewing participants to learn professional skills so that they can achieve financial independence.
“I am inviting senior women to apply for part-time, casual or full-time sewing teacher roles as we want to share in their wealth of knowledge.
“They don’t need perfect English and can have disabilities just so long as they have a passion for sewing, embroidering or knitting, it will be an opportunity for them to shine.”
To find out more, call CSS on 8772 0645.
