2020 was a bumpy year for many people, including us here at BWC, who were unable to hold our members face-to-face events. However, in an effort to continue our support for the community, the Board decided to release a second grant of $5,000 in 2020 to help a local charity support local women.
Thank you to all applicants for the quality of their submissions and the generous work these organisations contribute to supporting women and girls in Queensland. We received many applications from many worthy causes and worthwhile programs making the decision a challenge for the BWC Grants Sub-Committee and the BWC Board. A big thanks the BWC Grants Sub-Committee chaired by BWC Director Niki Dowsing, and including BWC members Katelin Haynes, Michele Blanshard, Amanda Mannix and Robyn Francis, who took on the hard task of granting these funds.
We are delighted to share that the recipient of the 2020, Round 2, BWC Charitable Grant was awarded to 4 Voices (www.4voices.com.au) a local charity whose vision is for a world where any girl or woman who feels unhappy, threatened or alone can find her voice.
4 Voices does this by supporting girls and women of all ages who are socially isolated; experiencing bullying, abuse or violence; are homeless; are not connected in the digital world. 4 Voices operates a mobile van service across 10 locations in Brisbane, equipped with telephones, laptops, Wi-Fi, a printer/scanner/copier, Smart TV and coffee machine. The service provides a hub for women to drop in for much needed assistance with MyGov registration, opening email accounts, completing online forms, printing documents, writing their CV, searching for jobs, housing, medical or other support. 4 Voices collaborates with Centrelink, crisis accommodation centres, other outreach services and community centres to ensure they directly connect with vulnerable women and can provide immediate practical solutions to their problems.
Brisbane Women’s Club is particularly excited to support the 4 Voices program in Inala. The $5,000 BWC Grant, made possible by our members, will enable the 4 Voices mobile van service to visit the community of Inala on a weekly basis for a year. At each shift, participants will be provided with free access to Wi-Fi, computers, phones, morning tea and non-judgmental conversation. The service will be provided by a team of volunteers operating from the customized van, equipped with facilities that can provide practical support to women requiring this connection.
We look forward to sharing more information with you about the amazing work of 4 Voices! Any questions or interest in volunteering to support 4 Voices, please email Niki Dowsing at niki@bwc.org.au
