Community grant provides helping hand to foster kids in Gippsland

Fifty ‘Crisis Cases’ will be on their way to in-need foster kids thanks to a community grant from electricity network, Jemena.

Gippsland based charity A Better Life for Foster Kids works with foster carers and child protection agencies to achieve the best outcomes for children in out of home care.

The $12,000 grant will fund Crisis Cases, which are suitcases that contain approximately 55 items that include clothing, toiletries, baby supplies, activity books, a blanket and hand-made toys.

A Better Life for Foster Kids Founder, Heather Baird said the suitcases help children feel a sense of dignity and help them fit into their new surroundings.

“We know kids often arrive at foster homes with just the clothes on their back. Having a toothbrush, clean clothes and something soft to cuddle goes a long way to helping them settle in, especially in the first week.” Ms Baird said.

This year’s grant recipients were selected from almost 100 organisations based in Jemena’s electricity and gas distribution areas in Victoria and New South Wales.

Group Communications Manager Michael Pintabona said the company is committed to providing support to community organisations which make a difference in the communities where Jemena operates.

“Based on the applications for grants we received, as well as engagement with our customers, we understand a lot of people are continuing to experience cost-of-living pressures, so we’ve funded organisations addressing that in practical ways,” Mr Pintabona said.

“This year, we’ve provided grants to several food assistance programs including those that provide food service training for people who might experience challenges gaining employment.

“We’ve also funded initiatives that provide financial counselling, clothes and other items for kids entering foster care, and transport for older people at risk of social isolation to attend community events.”

Since the program’s launch in 2019, Jemena has awarded almost $800,000 in local grants to 78 groups working to leave a lasting legacy for their local communities.

2024 Jemena Community Grants recipients include: