Without not-for profit groups, people such as Sophie and Craig would fall through the cracks.
The flow-on effects and outcomes are wide-ranging and valuable not just for those they assist, but for the organisations who help fund the work too.
Bringing hope in dark times
St Bart's chief executive Samantha Drury knows that a society devoid of NFPs is one with fewer connections, less compassion and fewer opportunities to help those in society who need it the most.
It’s a dark vision of a version of the future Ms Drury and the team at St Bart's are working hard to avoid.
They are working closely with corporate organisations and the government to provide housing solutions for many vulnerable people each year.
“While for-profit organisations primarily exist to generate profit for their owners or shareholders, non-profit organisations are typically mission-focused, meaning they exist to fulfil a specific purpose or goal that benefits society or a particular group of people who need support that would not be adequately addressed by the private sector,” Ms Drury said.
With about 1,000 people receiving various accommodation and outreach services from St Bart’s every year, it is the stories and testimonials that ultimately reveal the direct impact the NFP has on lives.
A new passion for life
Craig, a St Bart's Community Recovery Village resident, has a newfound passion for sustainable gardening
For Craig, a resident at one of St Bart's Community Recovery Villages that accommodates people who require a low level of support to live independently, he now enjoys a new-found passion for cooking and sustainable gardening.
Craig takes great pride and joy in sharing his produce and meals with other residents at the village.
Sophie, who has a history of childhood trauma and domestic violence, is a resident at St Bart's Women’s Service.
“St Bart's is the most-steady environment I’ve had in years,” Sophie said.
“It’s actually been a safety net and has been pivotal for me in working towards my recovery.”
Colin, St Bart's James Watson Aged Care resident
Colin, a 75-year-old resident at St Bart's James Watson Aged Care Centre, found himself living in a caravan park after his marriage broke down and his health deteriorated.
“I’ve now got a roof over my head and someone to look after me if something happens,” Colin said.
Not-for-profit groups also act as a conduit for community engagement and involvement, bringing people together to address common concerns and work towards common goals.
St Bart’s dedicated employees and generous volunteers enjoy the reward that comes from having the opportunity to make a positive impact on people who are doing it tough in the community.
“I enjoy being able to make a difference in people’s lives, watching them achieve their goals and seeing first-hand the difference that support can make to vulnerable people,” St Bart's Women’s and Family Services manager Tracey Brown said.
“What seems like a small achievement can make a huge difference in a person’s life,” Ms Brown said.
“Trust is key, and it takes time, but watching this growth makes it all worthwhile and rewarding.”
Rewarding to contribute to society
Investing in St Bart's has multiple benefits for corporates, spanning corporate social responsibility fulfilment, positive brand reputation, employee engagement and impactful results.
“By acknowledging they have a broader responsibility beyond making a profit for their shareholders, corporates can act in the best interests of society as a whole to address social issues that affect the communities in which they operate,” Ms Drury said.
“Furthermore, by aligning with a reputable and impactful organisation such as ours, corporates have the opportunity to demonstrate their commitment to social causes, which can attract customers who are more socially conscious and who value businesses that are committed to making a difference in the community.”
Volunteering is another valuable avenue corporates can explore.
In the financial year ending June 2022, St Bart’s received approximately $588,000 in value of support by its community of volunteers.
“By giving employees the opportunity to get involved in St Bart’s activities through volunteering, corporates can foster a sense of purpose and fulfilment among their employees, which can lead to increased job satisfaction and retention,” Ms Drury said.
By Hearts and Minds
