YOUR DONATION HAS A HUGE IMPACT

Women Illawarra is now fundraising to improve our building and amenities. Our main office currently operates out of a small miners cottage in Corrimal Street Wollongong which is in need of major works. Our services and programs have outgrown our space and we are forced to rent a commercial property to deliver some of our services. We are currently working on plans that will bring the whole service back together to ensure that women and children can access all they need in one trauma informed space.

Funded entirely from community donations, our Restorative Yoga classes are provided free to women in our community out of our Women’s Centre. Facilitated by Beach Shack Breathing, these trauma informed classes provide a safe and supportive environment for women to learn skills which increase relaxation, Improve sleep, Improve well-being, lift mood and reduce pain.

Women Illawarra is committed to supporting women and children in meaningful and practical ways. We accept donations of non-perishable food items, as well as personal hygiene products, baby care items, pet food, cleaning products and other new products (underwear, blankets etc) that improve the wellbeing and comfort of our community. All items are provided free of charge to our community.

Our organic garden, located on site, is a sanctuary of calm and connection. Growing fruit and vegetables, we also run education programs for participants that improve wellbeing and belonging. Donations of goods and services to support the gardens operation are always welcome.

Part funded by Australia Chinese Charity Foundation Inc, this new 12 month pilot program is designed to support older women, aged 55+, who are at risk of homelessness or have experienced homelessness due to domestic & family violence or other vulnerabilities. The 8 week program is designed to assist women on multiple levels, including but not limited to building networks and accessing resources, upskilling and education, removing barriers and providing support to access essential services, providing opportunities to reduce social isolation and improve mental health through connection and empowerment.

Each year Women Illawarra commits a portion of community donations to supporting women and children in getting back to school. We provide backpacks, drink bottles, lunchboxes and vouchers to assist families ease the financial burden that preparing for school can be. All donations gratefully accepted.

Each year Women Illawarra supports women and children to have a festive and bright Christmas through the incredible generosity of our community. Over the last two years, your donations have enabled us to distribute over 60 Food Hampers, more than $4500 in vouchers as well as gifts for 114 children and 54 women, as well as bill relief for over 30 families. You can continue to support us by donating any of the following items: Gift Cards, Non- Perishable food items, Toys and Books.

As a small community organisation supporting women who may be experiencing poverty, isolation, discrimination or domestic & family abuse, we are committed to removing the barriers to access experienced by our community. This includes opportunities to educate and upskill in ways that will improve their safety, wellbeing and employability. In 2024, Mental Health First Aid certification will be available through Women Illawarra with discounts and scholarships available to vulnerable women. To support this initiative email wi@womenillawarra.org.au

As the pressure from cost of living increases, Women Illawarra has committed to providing grocery hampers to women and children through local organisation, Food For Life. These hampers, provided at no cost to our clients provide up to 5 meals for a family. Over the last 18 months, we have provided more than 85 hampers to community, saving our clients an estimated $5,500 in living costs. Your generous donation enables us to continue to offer this vital support.