Help Needed Now More Than Ever
Lutheran Community Care has continued to support thousands of people during the COVID-19 crisis, with many needing help now more than ever.
Only a few months ago, LCC opened counselling and financial counselling services in Woodside to support people affected by the devastating Cudlee Creek fire. Now the economic fallout from the coronavirus has left more across the state unemployed, struggling to feed their families or looking for a safe place to shelter while self-isolating.
LCC CEO Rohan Feegrade said the organisation had recently assisted families and individuals who have never had to ask for help before.
“Our vision to building strong, caring communities inspired through the love of God has never been more poignant or more challenging,” Mr Feegrade said. “In times such as these, we need to support and care for each other more than ever.”
Though some services, such as LCC’s op shops, were forced to closed in March*, its essential services have adapted to the current climate and many are being delivered over the phone or through Zoom.
“It has been reported that children in foster care are in general really enjoying SKYPE and Zoom connection with their birth families,” Mr Feegrade said. “An example that was explained to me was of a child happily using Zoom to show his birth parents his new bedroom and toys at the foster care home which they had not seen before.”
Another service, Family Zone Ingle Farm’s home visiting program, has been increasingly busy with high referral numbers. Staff and volunteers have made dozens of children’s craft packs, which have been gifted to the families to help in this time of social isolation.
Emergency relief services have also assisted clients with food parcels and navigating Centrelink, while financial counsellors have supported a number of new clients, including international students who have lost their part-time employment in hospitality.
Mr Feegrade said the pandemic had caused significant stress for many people who don’t know where to turn for support.
If you know someone struggling at this time, LCC can help through its free counselling, financial counselling and emergency relief services. Please see contact details below.
This winter, the demand for Lutheran Community Care’s services has never been greater. If you are in a position to help, please donate and support your neighbours in crisis. Call (08) 8269 9333 or visit www.lccare.org.au/donate-now
*At the time of writing, LCC’s op shops were expected to reopen in late May.
Emergency Relief: Blair Athol (08) 8269 9300, Barossa (08) 8562 2688, Alice Springs (08) 8953 5160
Financial Counselling: Northern Adelaide & Adelaide Hills (08) 7070 6717, Barossa (08) 8562 2688, Morphett Vale (08) 8326 4688
Counselling: Blair Athol (08) 8269 9300, Magill (08) 8331 3111, Barossa (08) 8562 2688, Adelaide Hills 0438 890 256, Murray Bridge 0490 660 158
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