Last night saw the inaugural Annual General Meeting of
Support for Mums and their families Inc.
Thank you to all who attended and for your ongoing support.
In my role as Chairperson of the Board of Management for
Support for Mums over the last twelve months, I have seen some significant
developments of and within the organisation. These include:
·
The employment of two Client Liaison Officers
who deal with the day to day case management, referral and support of families
who contact and/or are referred to Support for Mums
·
The employment of an Administration Assistant
who not only manages the daily administration tasks, but has also taken great
strides in the setting up of administration and other procedures, policies and
systems
·
The employment of a Fundraising Manager and
establishment of a Fundraising Sub-Committee to organise and oversee
fundraising activities from within Support for Mums and within the broader
community, to ensure the financial sustainability of the organisation and so
that we may continue to provide the much needed support that we do
·
The formation of a Strategic Business Planning
sub-committee, which has worked tirelessly on the overall organisational
structure and identified key roles that required filling as a matter of
urgency, as well as direction for the growth and development of the
organisation.
Over the last twelve months, Support for Mums has supported
over 100 families experiencing circumstantial crisis, providing telephone and
practical support where required.
Although there is still a long way to go, the progress made
over the last year is to be admired. The passion and dedication of the team
behind Support for Mums have made this possible.
CEO, Joanne Kosylo is to be admired for her determination
and the hours of energy and work she puts into Support for Mums. Without her
dream, none of this would have happened and I thank her for allowing us to be a
part of it.
The Board of
Management; Michelle (Secretary), Stacey (Treasurer), Mandy, Linda, and members
who, sadly, had to leave for various reasons, Karen, Jodie and Emma, have been
an incredible and inspiring team to work with, full of vivacity, ideas and just
as much passion to see this dream not only come alive, but to thrive.
I thank them for their support of me, personally, in my role
as Chairperson, and also for their dedication to Support for Mums.
Nicole and Eryka, our Client Liaison Officers, have done an
amazing job with the support they have provided families. They are what the
organisation is about and are in invaluable part of our team.
As is Kirsty, who has done wonders with the administration
side of the organisation and whom without we would likely be floundering in a
sea of paperwork and emails.
On behalf of the Board of Management, I extend my thanks to
those within the community who have supported us over the last year.
Fiona of Business with Vivacity for her talent, knowledge,
time and much more in assisting us with the organisational structure and
direction for Support for Mums. Her patience and knowledge is a blessing and
greatly appreciated.
Alli of Motivating Mum and her Mother Jumpers initiative,
Eryka and her events and awareness raising on the Mornington Peninsula, Susan
of Go Festival, local MP, Natalie Hutchinson for her ongoing support and the
countless others who have organised events, raised funds, donated funds or time, or simply
shared their story or told others about Support for Mums.
I think the organisation should be proud of all it has
achieved and it is with sadness that I must step down from my position of
Chairperson of the Board of Management. I know the role is more than capable
hands with the newly appointed Linda Bradfield.
Despite my sadness, I am extremely excited to be able to
dedicate my time and energy to my roles as Fundraising Coordinator and heading
the Fundraising sub-committee and my position within the Strategic Business
Planning sub-committee.
I very much look forward to my continued involvement with
Support for Mums and to working with the amazing team behind the organisation.
We also welcome aboard new board member, Katrina, and extend
the invitation to others within the community to become a valued member of the
team behind Support for Mums.
Expressions of interest for new Board Members are now open.
Please email admin@supportformums.org.au
to express your interest and for further information.
Again, thank you to all who have supported me over the last
twelve months. It is greatly appreciated.
Regards,
Amanda Cox