Message from our Chair

Rosies Chairman John ScobleChristmas is not looking very good to Jane, featured in our Summer newsletter. I’m glad I’m not in her shoes. I’m also glad that our Rosies volunteers are out most nights providing a little bit of community spirit and cheer to Jane and those like her. As my mother used to say often “There but for the grace of God go I”.

This festive season is also about New Year’s celebrations and often, new resolutions. Change, as they say, is one of the constants in life. As you may be aware, there are many changes happening within our society, including our social services and the not for profit sector. Whilst Rosies is not directly impacted by the changes to government programs and funding, we are being dramatically affected by some of the flow-on affects to our many friends.

Rosies Board and Senior Management recently held a one day Strategic Planning workshop. This planning has been informed by in-depth interviews and surveys with key stakeholders, including many of our active volunteers. More will follow. Rosies is alive and well, with lots of energy and enthusiasm for not only our current outreach, but for investigating additional ways of reaching those socially isolated members in the community. Our sub-committees are fine-tuning each of the key areas identified in our planning. We hope to share this with you, our broader Rosies family in the New Year.

In the meantime, may you all have a happy and holy Christmas.

John Scoble,
Rosies Board Chair

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Let’s open our hearts

fr johnWe make assumptions based on our own knowledge. Yet, if we take the time to listen to people with our heart we can appreciate them for who they truly are. All of us are gifted, but our individual talents are not always obvious; most treasures are hidden. God’s creation is diverse and unique, which makes it beautiful and inspiring rather than monotone and dull. God values us for who we are and we are invited to imitate Him. We are encouraged to value each other for our uniqueness. Let us appreciate the diversity God put in His creation and go beyond our presumptions to discover who a person really is through understanding and charity.

Fr John David
Rosies’ Chaplain

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Ipswich Softball gets to first base

Ipswich_softballThe young players at the Ipswich Softball Association raised funds for Rosies by having a cuppa and spending a night at the softball park. Our team leader, Ashley, met the players and talked them through Rosies’ support in the community. Education and awareness are an important part of prevention and support. Rosies is actively involved in a number of initiatives, such as this visit, to support young people. You can help too, have a cuppa this Spring.

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Rosies updates around the state – Spring 2015

 

Brisbane
Rosies has temporarily relocated our Friday and Saturday night outreaches to the Cathedral of St Stephen.Brisbane City Council has encouraged street van services to be located in  off-street premises. The Archbishop of Brisbane has kindly agreed to trial our Outreach for eight weeks.
Look out for further updates.

Cairns
The new street outreach van was blessed by the Bishop of Cairns the Most Reverend James Foley. Thanks AMA. Services have commenced Thursday, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday nights.

Gold Coast

The Rosies Gold Coast branch has started a new outreach in Nerang. The van is at to Bischoff Pioneer Park on Wednesdays from 7.30pm – 9.00pm.

Toowoomba

Jon Martlew, our Toowoomba Branch Coordinator, went homeless for a week during the Homelessness Prevention Week. Our Patron, Leneen Forde, and Chair, John Scoble, took part in launching Jon’s sleepout at the Homlessness Prevention Week commencement exhibition. During the week Jon slept rough, hung out with our friends on the street, joined our outreaches and had a cuppa to raised funds for Rosies. Well done Jon!

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The light at the end of the Tunnel

rosies_prison_visit_outreachLisa and Louise have been volunteering with Rosies’ outreach to the Brisbane Youth Detention Centre for over a decade. Here Lisa and Louise give us an inside of their experience.

“The outreach starts with the usual formalities. We first sign in. IDs are checked. We then go through the metal detector before passing the security gates. We are in. We find out who we will visit (that day) according to the recent events, behaviours, and moods.
Most detainees come from dysfunctional families and do not receive any visit, but ours.

There are a number of sections to the centre. Each has about  5 to 12 young detainees. We join the three staff members who are also present in the room. We have never felt unsafe while taking part to this outreach.
Many of these young people are surprised we come to visit them. They make us feel humble, as seeing a friendly face from Rosies can have a big impact on them. Especially when they are told we are volunteers. The simple fact of being there regularly makes a difference.

We often do not realise how much of a positive impact such small things can mean. Just remembering their name, bringing a new card game, a smile, or the simple fact of being here for them makes a difference.”

It is only thanks to our wonderful volunteers, like Lisa and Louise, that Rosies can continue outreaches such as this. You make a difference by getting involved.

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You make a difference

Article ImageLucy* aged 16 had to leave school and home abruptly. In fact, she had to run. Unfortunately her story is too familiar. Over 40% of those experiencing homelessness in Australia are aged 25 or younger.

Most young people experiencing homelessness are not homeless by choice. It is their only option. Often they are hidden. Young people who are homeless are also more likely to experience higher unemployment than the rest of the population, often have worse health outcomes, and have little to no income. Homelessness can become a cycle once started, especially when so young.
We engage youth through education, awareness and volunteer programs, which play a vital role in prevention and support as well as many outreach services. We thank the many primary and high schools around the state for supporting Rosies and our friends in so many ways.  You make a difference to help break this cycle of homelessness by supporting Rosies. Have a cuppa for Rosies this Spring to support youth at risk like Lucy or donate now.

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To our friends

Andrew O'Brien, General ManagerWe all understand the value of friends in our lives. One of the many privileges I have is to share experiences of friendship with  many amazing young students involved in our Schools Engagement Program.
The vitality and warmth of these young people continues to put a spring in the step of our volunteers and patrons.
Unfortunately some young people in our communities are struggling to find hope and therefore it is important we continue to offer experiences of friendship to them. The commitment of our Rosies volunteers to turn up at each Outreach is fundamental to building relationships and hope. Your support makes a difference.

Andrew O’Brien,
General Manager

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Get Ready! Q1 Stair Challenge: Rosies, proud charity partner

28 February 2016
Rosies_event_Q1_stair_challengeRosies is the proud charity partner for the SkyPoint Sea to Sky Q1 stair challenge. By getting together with a friend or two and taking on Australia’s biggest building you can make a difference by supporting our Friends on the street.

So come on, bring your friends and get ready to face your highest urban challenge in Australia!
The cause and the view from the top of the observation level at SkyPoint are worth it.

 

 

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Bridge to Brisbane: nominate Rosies as your charity of choice

30 August 2015
rosies_event_Bridge_to_BrisbaneThe Bridge to Brisbane Fun Run will take place on Sunday August 30. Whether you run by yourself or as part of a team we would like you to nominate Rosies as your charity of choice. All fundraising is done online. You can set up up your own fundraising page. Each registrant must have their own official everydayhero Bridge to Brisbane fundraising page. You can still be part of a team but you just need to be an individual first.

Click here to fundraise for Rosies.

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Rosies gets rough!

3-9 August 2015

apn_rosies_friends_on_the_street_toowoombaJon Martlew, our Team Coordinator in Toowoomba, and Nat Spary (the BASE soup kitchen) will be sleeping rough during this year Homeless Prevention Week 3 – 9 August 2015. Jon and Nat aim to raise awareness of homelessness. Jon wants to experience a glimpse of what “homelessness” is all about. “I see this as an opportunity for me to experience some of the physical and emotional discomforts experienced by those who are homeless”.

Click here to support Jon.

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