Building Independence in The Community

As part of the commitment by PEP Community Services to improve the wellbeing of disadvantaged people including those with disabilities, PEP has partnered with other non-profit organisations to help to tackle issues such as isolation, homelessness, loneliness, low self-esteem and unemployment with the overall vision to build independence for these people in our community. 

‘Project Independence’ is a Sponsorship program created by PEP to build capacity in our community. The Project is made up of several facets -each serving a unique, yet challenging segment of our community.  

One part of the project involves the works of the Turnaround Centre, run by Father Peter Dimitrakos from the Greek Orthodox Church. The TurnAround Centre is a non-profit organization that distributes food, clothing, sleeping materials, and basic first aid supplies on a daily basis to the homeless. Father Peter and his small team of volunteers frequent the CBD, Victoria Park, Northbridge, Wembley, Queens Park and East Fremantle regions with the use of a private vehicle.  

“Urgent financial assistance is required so that we can continue to respond to the ever increasing amount of homeless people in our city-Perth. Money raised from sponsorship will be used for the purchase of food, bedding and clothing in ever-increasing volume. I pray everyday that more and more businesses and individuals will support our work so that we can help to make more and more of a difference,” Father Peter said. 

The Fremanshed Inc. is another organisation that PEP proudly sponsors. This Men’s Shed in Fremantle provides a “tooled up” workshop environment for men of all ages and stages. A priority focus for the shed has become men’s health and well-being. This shed helps to foster men’s self esteem, create “active” social networks and works on creating valued roles in society, particularly for men who have become disengaged with their community. These active social relationships have enhanced health in ways that formal learning environments did not. These engagements have assisted in protecting against physical and emotional sickness including stress, depression and mental illness.  

Please help us respond by choosing to sponsor Project Independence. For more information please contact Relationship Manager, Lynley Hampton on 0437 483 441 or email lynley@pep.org.au.