Welcome to the latest edition of Our People, Our Stories.
Welcome to the Spring 2026 edition of Our People, Our Stories, full of powerful accounts of hope, resilience and empowerment.
In this issue, you’ll discover how your generosity has enabled us to deliver much-needed programs and services to some of the most vulnerable people in the Victorian community. People like Monica* and Abigail*, who are healing from trauma with the support of our family services workers, and young Kirra*, who’s back at school after working with our Navigator education program.
You’ll hear about the impact Overnewton Anglican Community College have had with their Toy Appeals and Faith in Action program, and the amazing support FleetPartners has given our emergency relief and homelessness programs for more than 15 years.
You’ll also meet the wonderful Bob Baker, who is celebrating 50 years with Anglicare Victoria this year! Bob’s history with the organisation goes all the way back to the Mission to the Streets and Lanes, and his contribution over the years is just incredible.
Thank you for your ongoing support.
I hope the stories in these pages inspire you to continue believing in the power we all have to help create better tomorrows for those in need.
Paul McDonald CEO Anglicare Victoria
Education
Back on track for success at school
Kirra* was just 12 when school became too hard to face.
Living with autism and anxiety, she’d struggled with attendance for years. The move from primary school to high school only made things tougher – so much so that she attended just two days of Year 7 before stopping altogether.
But Kirra didn’t want to give up.
“She’s incredibly bright,” says her Navigator case manager, Gennoy. “She wanted to get back to school – to feel like herself again – but it all felt overwhelming.”
Gennoy worked alongside Kirra, her family, her school and her psychologist to build a plan around her – one that felt safe, realistic and achievable.
Together, they started with online learning. It gave Kirra the space she needed to rebuild her confidence, at her own pace.
And slowly, things began to change.
Kirra started engaging in her classes. She joined an online book club. She even began meeting with friends again – something that once felt out of reach.
Most importantly, she started to believe in herself.
“She found ways to understand her challenges and what helps her manage them,” Gennoy explains. “She felt heard – and that made all the difference.”
Step by step, Kirra grew ready to take the next big step.
This year, she returned to school full time.
Now in Year 8, Kirra is not only attending – she’s thriving. She’s enjoying her subjects, making
“Kirra went from being shy, cautious and reserved to a confident, insightful and courageous young person.”–Gennoy, Navigator case manager
new friends, and tackling challenges with confidence and resilience.
In fact, her teachers have been so impressed with her growth, they’ve invited her to help lead school tours for future students.
It’s a moment that once would have seemed impossible!
In the past year, more than 1,500 children and young people have received support through Anglicare Victoria’s education programs –helping them reconnect with learning, rebuild confidence, and create a future they can believe in. Kirra’s story is one powerful example of what can happen when a young person is supported in the right way, at the right time. Your support can help more children and young people find that same path forward.
In the past year more than
1,500
young people participated in Anglicare Victoria’s education programs, Navigator and TEACHaR.
Schools and Community
From Awareness to ActionThe Overnewton approach
For more than 25 years, Overnewton Anglican Community College has been a committed partner of Anglicare Victoria – showing how a whole school community can turn awareness into meaningful action.
What stands out is not just the breadth of their support, but how deeply it is embedded in school life. Students, staff and leaders across year levels all play a part – from student-led Toy Appeals to Year 9 ‘Faith in Action’ visits. During these visits, students volunteer, deliver donations and gain first-hand insight into homelessness and how Anglicare Victoria is responding.
The link between learning and action is intentional. In preparing for the Toy Appeal, teachers seek real family stories to help students understand why their support matters – building empathy alongside generosity.
Across campuses, the College contributes through volunteering, donations and growing fundraising initiatives. Their ideas have also helped inspire new ways for other schools to engage.
“We want students to understand the ‘why’ behind what they’re doing. When they see the reality behind the need, their response becomes much more meaningful.” - Josh Reeves, teacher
Would you like to make an impact in your local community like Overnewton?
Penny Mitchell, Relationship Manager Partnerships, would love to hear from you.
Penny can be contacted on 0447 174 261 or via email at partnerships@anglicarevic.org.au
How you can help:
Collect non-perishable food and essential pantry items any time of year
Register early to raise funds for food or toys this Christmas
When a little relief changes everything Emergency relief
When Jenny* reached out to Anglicare Victoria, she was feeling desperate and ashamed. A qualified nurse, she had been working full-time until her circumstances changed and she no longer had anyone to care for her child while she was at work. Without affordable childcare, she had no choice but to leave her job. Before long, she had fallen behind on her mortgage and used up her savings trying to keep her family afloat.
“I’m a professional, I can’t believe I’m in this situation,” Jenny told Suzanne, one of our emergency relief workers. “I’ve done everything I can, but it feels like everything is collapsing around me.”
Thanks to the generosity of supporters like you, Jenny didn’t have to face that crisis alone. Supermarket vouchers meant she could restock her cupboards and put food on the table for her family. With support from our financial counselling team, she was able to negotiate with her bank about her mortgage repayments and apply for Centrelink.
Our Energy Assistance Program team also helped her apply for a grant to ease the pressure of some of her overdue utility bills. Little by little, the weight began to lift. Today, Jenny is feeling far more confident about her finances. She is back on track with her bill payments and beginning to make plans for the future.
Last financial year, over 7,700 people turned to Anglicare Victoria’s emergency relief programs
*Names and images have been changed to protect privacy
for help with essentials like food, bills and medication. Thanks to kind-hearted supporters, we can provide vouchers and food hampers that ease immediate pressure and give families breathing room when they need it most. With your continued support, more people facing impossible choices can find both practical help and a way forward.
“Every client we see is in a unique situation, but they have one thing in common – that sense of relief they feel when we say we can help.” –Suzanne, Emergency Relief Services Coordinator
Last year over 7,700
people contacted Anglicare Victoria’s emergency relief programs for help with food, bills and medication.
FleetPartnersKeeping our communities moving
FleetPartners has been a trusted partner of Anglicare Victoria for over 15 years, supporting our work in ways that are practical and people-centred.
At the heart of the partnership is a shared commitment to showing up. Nick Vandeligt has been involved since the partnership began, and volunteers each month at Anglicare Victoria’s homeless breakfast program – working alongside frontline teams and building a genuine understanding of the community we support.
Across the organisation, that spirit carries through. Each year, FleetPartners staff support our emergency relief program by preparing Christmas gifts for families doing it tough. Teams also lead fundraising efforts, nominating Anglicare Victoria as a charity of choice and contributing in creative ways –from workplace initiatives to donating proceeds from office sales.
FleetPartners has also provided behind-thescenes support to strengthen the reach of the ‘AV AID Van’, helping services be delivered an extra day each week.
We are deeply grateful for the enduring partnership and generosity FleetPartners continues to show.
“Being involved, even in small ways, changes how you see things. It reminds you that showing up really does matter.” – Nick Vandeligt, FleetPartners
Would your business like to partner with Anglicare Victoria?
Penny Mitchell, our Relationship Manager Partnerships, would love to hear from you and develop a plan with your team to collaborate with Anglicare Victoria throughout the year.
NB: Volunteering opportunities are limited and well sought after. Talk to Penny about all ways you can support our programs. Penny can be contacted on 0447 174 261 or via email at partnerships@anglicarevic.org.au.
Pictured L to R Irem Dikmen, Dina Halkic and Nick Vandeligt
When you’d do anything for family
Out-of-Home Care
When eight-year-old Megan* was no longer able to remain with her birth family, her aunty Pippa* stepped in without hesitation to become her kinship carer.
Megan had already been through a traumatic time in her young life. With complex health needs and regular appointments with several medical specialists, committing to Megan’s care was a significant decision for Pippa. But she was determined to keep life as stable as possible for her niece, making sure Megan continued to receive the support she needed to grow and thrive.
“Childhood trauma can have a profound impact on children, even from a very young age,” said Tayla, the kinship care case manager who works with Pippa and Megan. “While Megan does face challenges, Pippa has opened up a future with never-ending opportunities for her, and I am excited to watch her grow and succeed in life.”
Because of the generosity of our supporters, children in Out-of-Home Care and the family members who step in for them, can access practical support when they need it most. Of the over 1,700 young people who live in Out-ofHome Care with Anglicare Victoria, 516 children are cared for by other family members through
kinship care. Your support helps case managers like Tayla provide essentials at short notice, easing some of the pressure on carers as they create safety and stability for the children they love.
“It’s rare to encounter a carer with such patience, dedication, and loyalty to supporting a child to reach their full potential,” Tayla said. “Pippa is truly inspiring. Without her support, Megan’s journey would be far more difficult, with fewer opportunities to feel safe, supported, and confident in her ability to succeed.”
“I tell myself every day I do this to help Megan, to make her life better and easier” – Pippa*, kinship carer.
Learn more about foster care here
Last year over 1,700
young people lived in Out-of-Home Care with Anglicare Victoria. Of these, 516 lived with other family members in kinship care.
Don’t wait - every adult needs a valid, up-to-date Will
Life changes quickly, and without a legally valid Will, your wishes may not be carried out the way you intended. Whether you’ve experienced a major life event – such as marriage, separation, children or changes in financial circumstances – or it’s simply been a few years, now is the time to act.
Updating your Will helps protect the people you love and makes your legacy clear.
Today, creating or updating a Will can be simpler than ever. Trusted online platforms (such as Willed and Safewill) offer secure, affordable options that can be completed from home.
A Will also gives you the opportunity to transform lives.
By including a gift to Anglicare Victoria, you can help change the future for vulnerable children, families and communities. Even a small percentage of your estate can create meaningful, long-term impact – while ensuring your loved ones are cared for first.
To help you get organised, Anglicare Victoria is offering a FREE digital copy of the My Legacy booklet – a practical guide to recording the details your loved ones may need, from funeral preferences and medical details to important documents and treasured life moments.
Scan here for My Legacy booklet
Hope and healing after a traumatic time
Family services
When Monica* and her daughter Abigail*, 11, were referred to Anglicare Victoria’s Family Services program, they had already been through more trauma in a short time than many people face in a lifetime.
Abigail had witnessed family violence, experienced the death of her father, and was also being bullied at school. Shy and overwhelmed, she was living with anxiety and panic attacks, and found it hard to express herself without help from her mum.
With support from Bree, their case worker, Monica and Abigailr began the slow work of rebuilding trust and improving communication. Soft toys were used to help Abigail identify and regulate her emotions, and Bree also arranged counselling to support her healing.
Today, life looks very different. Abigail is attending a new school, where she has made wonderful friends who appreciate and support her. In this new environment, she is thriving and feeling confident about her future.
“I have never met a young person with so much emotional intelligence,” said Bree. “Abigail has completely changed her life around and is always open to suggestions and strategies. Her strength, determination and growth is nothing short of amazing.”
Because of the generosity of supporters like you, families facing trauma can access the support they need to begin healing and rebuilding their lives.
“Despite their trauma, Monica and Abigail are an incredible family who have shown extraordinary bravery,” Bree said. “They are proof that with willpower and determination, you can succeed at anything in life.”
“Abigail
and her mother share a bond like no other, which has nurtured Abigail’s confidence to where it is today” – Bree, Family Services Case Worker.
Meet our parish engagement leaders
Anglicare Victoria’s parish partnerships are strengthened by leaders who bring deep experience, faith in action and a focus on connection.
Karin McLean Richard Bruce
Karin brings warmth, insight and more than 20 years’ experience in communications and donor engagement to her role as Parish Engagement Coordinator at Anglicare Victoria.
She is passionate about creating connections that inspire positive change, helping Anglican parishes and Anglicare Victoria work alongside one another to make a lasting impact in their communities.
Her priorities include fostering partnerships and growing awareness, participation and recognition – supporting parishes and Anglicare Victoria to strengthen connection, increase involvement, and realise shared mission and impact across local communities.
Richard serves as Archdeacon for Diocesan and Parish Partnerships in the Anglican Diocese of Melbourne, championing collaboration between Anglican parishes and Anglicare Victoria as a practical expression of faith in action.
Appointed when the partnership ministry was revitalised in 2014 through a shared vision with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, he brings extensive leadership across church and community sectors.
Richard is passionate about noticing need and responding in ways that strengthen communities and enable human flourishing – together.
“Being involved, you see things. It reminds you that showing up really does matter.” – Richard Bruce
Get in touch with Karin McLean, Parish Engagement Coordinator to find out more about Anglicare Victoria and Parish focus for 2027. Karin can be contacted on 0472 716 848 or via email on partnerships@anglicarevic.org.au
Celebrating Bob: 50 years of heart with Anglicare Victoria
For half a century, Bob Baker has been quietly helping people feel seen, supported and less alone. In this short interview, Bob reflects on what keeps him coming back – and the impact of volunteers across Anglicare Victoria.
Q: How did your journey with Anglicare Victoria begin?
A: It started 50 years ago with the nuns from the Mission to Streets and Lanes. I tried out for a job and ended up staying ten years. I keep in touch – one of the nuns is 96 now.
Q: What does a typical day look like for you?
A: I’m often out and about – parishes, schools, businesses – picking up food, clothes, toys. Then it all gets to the people who need it. That’s the important part.
Q: You speak so warmly about Anglicare Victoria volunteers. Why?
A: They’re incredible. They give their time, their energy – just to help someone else. A lot of them have been through tough times and they want to give back.
Q: Can you share a moment that stays with you?
A: I once built a swing for foster kids waiting for parent visits. Sometimes the parents didn’t turn up, and they could go out and have a swing.
Seems small, but it made them smile. That meant a lot.
Q: Why is helping put food on people’s tables so important to you?
A: I know what it’s like to go without. Growing up, my mum worked hard to put food on the table for nine kids. That’s why this work means so much to me. When I collect food, I think about the journey from a donation to someone sitting down to a good meal they might not otherwise have had. It matters. Every bit helps.
Q: What motivates you?
A: I’ve been there myself. I know what it’s like to go without. So, if I can help someone – well, that’s enough for me.
“Bob is such an asset to Anglicare Victoria – nothing is ever a problem. He always puts others first and goes above and beyond. He is a true gentleman and a wonderful colleague.” – Chris de Paiva, Program Manager – Dioceses and Parish Partnerships
Pictured L-R: Chris de Paiva, Bob Baker, Richard Bruce and Karin McLean
Get Involved for Better Tomorrows
In order to provide a range of support services to help disadvantaged Victorians rise above their difficulties, we rely on the generosity of compassionate donors like you.
Thanks to the various skills, efforts and donations of our volunteers and supporters, we’re able to make significant change in the lives of vulnerable Victorians.
Your support really makes a difference.
Scan the QR code to find out how you can get involved and lend your support.
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