Realising Dreams
Government funding is essential for meeting the day-to-day needs of our participants. But in many cases, it is either insufficient or too restricted to help people access resources or services that can make a real and lasting difference in their lives. And that's why we have the Realising Dreams fund.
WHAT IS THE REALISING DREAMS FUND
Government funding packages provides essential funding to help many people access the supports they need to live in the community. However, whether because funding is limited or because guidelines are too restrictive, many people are often still unable to purchase equipment or services that could really make a difference in their lives.
That’s why in 2008, we set up our own grants program called the Realising Dreams Fund. The Fund provides our participants with access to one-off grants to help them purchase a range of services or pieces of equipment they might need. The only requirement is a genuine need and that the item or service will contribute to their ability to realise a particular dream or goal.
Over the last three years since establishing the Realising Dreams Fund, we have been able to provide a range of different grants for a wide range of different people. These grants have included everything from a contributions towards the cost of vital equipment like wheelchairs and second skin suits, to an iPad to help participants with disabilities communicate, to a personal carer to help one of our younger participants with a disability take their first ever holiday with their family.
WHAT ADMINISTRATIVE COSTS DOES THE FUND HAVE?
One of the great things about our Realising Dreams fund is that it takes advantage of existing resources within the organisation meaning that it doesn’t attract additional administrative costs and allows us to pass on virtually all funds directly to the people who most need it. Another great aspect of the fund is that it there is such a direct link between any funds donated and the outcome achieved as a result.
WHAT ARE SOME EXAMPLES OF GRANTS
JAMES: James is 18 and just finished his Victorian Certificate of Education (VCE). This year he’ll start an Accounting Degree at Deakin University. James is the oldest of three children and is often responsible for making sure his siblings are doing their homework, are up and ready in time for school, and have something to eat when they’re hungry.
James’ mother suffers from severe depression and without lots of support from James would struggle even more with work, the housekeeping, and raising her three children.
To help James with his final year of high school, a grant application was made by the Young Carer team on James’ behalf. Thanks to the successful grant James was able to purchase a refurbished laptop computer to allow him to study quietly in his room and while at school.
AMANDA: Amanda is five years old and recently completed her first year of school. Like any other young girl at school, she likes to play with her classmates and friends. Because Amanda has cerebral palsy, there are times when she has real difficulties keeping up with the other children and so she misses out on their company and the fun of taking part in activities.
Amanda’s parents had a great idea for how Amanda could be more actively involved despite her disability and requested a grant for a bicycle and helmet.
The grant was given and Amanda now has her own bicycle and helmet set up especially for her so that she can join in on family bike rides and go on rides with her friends from school. It also gives Amanda a great way of building up strength and training her balance.
Amanda’s new bike has helped to give her a new sense of independence, a challenge she has been able to conquer, and a fun way to participate in summer activities.
SAENGSAVANG: Saengsavang is one of our older participants. She is cared for by her husband and daughter. Her daughter Lisa and partnership worker recently applied successfully for a grant from the UCCO Equipment Fund to help fund a ceiling hoist.
As Lisa writes, such help can be essential to families: ‘Without the help, I and my family would be struggling with finding funds with long waiting period and a much harder time helping mom who can’t walk, talk, eat and has lost her memories. This will help us to get through this tough time where we are crying desperately for help. Thanks so much to all the support in financial terms and thanks to Lesley-Anne (Partnership Worker) and her work to support our family.’
TORIN: Torin is two years old. He is an active young boy with a number of particular needs that arise due to his hearing and mobility issues.
As his mother writes: ‘Torin is a wonderful little boy with multiple special needs. These needs come at a steep financial cost to us, and without help from organizations such as UnitingCare Community Options there would be things he simply would have to go without! We are so grateful for the support and generosity that truly helps families like ours in need.’
Torin’s mother and partnership worker recently applied for a grant from the UCCO Equipment Fund on his behalf. Thanks to their successful application, Torin has received funding for a number of therapy sessions, a set of shoes to use with his brace and orthotics, and custom-molded swim ear plugs to help him get involved in activities with his older brother and other children his age.