Lutheran Services has unveiled a new domestic and family violence refuge to provide a safe place for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence situations in Southeast Queensland.

The $3.8 million project doubles the reach of Mary and Martha’s refuge and provides a secure, supportive and sociable place for women and children to rebuild lives and connect with others.

Lutheran Services developed the refuge with operational funding support from the Queensland Government and $3.8 million in Commonwealth funding through the Safe Places Emergency Accommodation Program.

Lutheran Services CEO Nick Ryan says the not-for-profit organisation is delighted to be expanding its services for women and children escaping domestic and family violence.

“Each week we are reminded of the urgent need to help women and children experiencing domestic and family violence,” said Mr Ryan.

“Together, alongside the Queensland State Government and Commonwealth Government, we recognise the dire need not just to provide refuge for women and children, but help them redevelop their agency, find their voice and their capabilities to embark on their new life in safety and security.”

Lutheran Services’ new Mary and Martha’s refuge accommodation offers comprehensive support services on-site, including a children’s counselor, helping families face the challenge of starting anew.

The eight new units, built at an undisclosed location in Southeast Queensland, offer private backyards with space for women and children to bring their pets – something that can otherwise be a barrier to finding alternate accommodation when leaving a domestic violence situation.

Assistant Minister for Social Services and the Prevention of Family Violence, The Hon Justine Elliot MP said the development of the new Safe Places site is vital in ensuring that women and children experiencing family and domestic violence have a safe place to find refuge and support.

“These safe and secure homes will provide women and children experiencing family and domestic violence the opportunity to start anew and begin the process of healing,” said Ms Elliot.

“This refuge will provide necessary, specialised and person-centred support for victim-survivors of family and domestic violence.”

Further supporting why a service of this kind is so important, Lutheran Services Executive Lead Community Services, Chris Seiboth, said that the demand for safe and secure refuge accommodation spiked during COVID and has been sustained since.

“Today, the societal stressors of increased cost of living, combined with decreased housing availability and job security, are all factors in domestic and family violence,” said Mr Seiboth.

“As the rising cost of living creates a barrier for women to leave domestic and family violence situations, Lutheran Services is proud to offer essential support accommodation for women to help them as they rebuild their lives.”

Lutheran Services’ first Mary and Martha’s refuge was established in Woolloongabba in 1980 by the Nazareth Lutheran Church with the congregation donating the property and overseeing its ongoing management. It moved location in 1987 but continued with its legacy.

Acting Mary and Martha’s refuge Manager, Rebecca McConnell, said that the level of comfort and amenities offered at the new location goes a long way in supporting women and their children as they rebuild their lives, independence and confidence.

‘’If you leave a relationship and go into a share home where no one cares about the space, it makes it too easy to go back to a violent situation. Having comfortable and safe surroundings takes a big a load off women and their children, better allowing them to rebuild their lives in a safe and supportive environment,’’ said Ms McConnell.

“After supporting women with their immediate crisis needs – being shelter, food and clothing – we form strong relationships with them, allowing them to come out of their shells and engage with the other families around them. Seeing women regain their confidence, and develop these relationships, is a rewarding part of the work we do.”

The new Mary and Martha’s location means Lutheran Services can now support 18 families in need across Southeast Queensland.

Between COVID lockdowns and the floods that devastated South East Queensland, it’s been a very challenging time for all of us.

Our staff have gone above and beyond to ensure our clients and residents have felt safe, supported and comfortable during the last few months.

We celebrate our staff and the commitment they’ve shown.

Every staff member will receive a special gift pack full of goodies, including some lovely baked treats made and packed by Lutheran Youth Queensland.

Thank you to all our wonderful staff! We couldn’t do it without you.

As the season of Lent begins, so does our annual LCAQD Lenten appeal.

This year’s appeal will support three life-affirming projects by Lutheran Services. Read more or donate here.

This year a new domestic and family violence refuge, consisting of 8 self-contained units is under construction thanks to Commonwealth funding and money raised during Lenten Appeal.

Your donations via the Lenten Appeal will provide enhanced facilities and resources for this much needed service.

In February, church leaders and senior Lutheran Services staff met to bless the site as construction kicked off.

The refuge will contain disability-accessible units of varying sizes, from one to three bedrooms.

Chris Seiboth, Executive Lead for Community Services, said “Importantly, the refuge will support children’s well-being and development with a quality community-oriented built environment.”

“Community focused is a big theme for our design. Women can gather in the shared activities room to take cooking, budgeting or parenting sessions, whilst they will be able to see the children’s playground.

“There will be enclosed front yards, a playground, a community vegetable garden, a sensory garden and bikes and play equipment for kids to be kids.

“Violence in the home has an enormous impact on children. When there is violence against woman who is also a mother – that is an attack on the parent and child relationship.

“The design of the refuge and services we will provide will allow the space and safety to start re-building relationships. A safe, peaceful, community setting is the foundation of that.”

Construction will be completed later this year with $3.8million from the Commonwealth Government’s Safe Places Emergency Accommodation scheme.

Lutheran Services also supports Mary & Martha’s Refuge which was established by the Nazareth Lutheran Church in the 1980s to serve people during times of crisis.

The joy of biking with your family is being celebrated by the women and children at Mary & Martha’s Refuge, thanks to the generous support from Department of Resources staff who have raised funds and donated bikes.

“Domestic violence not only affects adults, it affects the parent-child relationship. Women and children come to the refuge with nothing so the opportunity to experience the freedom and joy of fresh air and exercise is wonderful, ” says Susie O’Brien, Mary and Martha’s Manager.

A big thanks to @challengeDV for facilitating a partnerships program that is making such a difference.

Women from all walks of life come to Mary & Martha’s domestic violence refuge to escape domestic and family violence.

The refuge offers help, security and support to women and children who come to the service at a time when there is nowhere safe for them to go.

Women find safety, emotional support and a non-judgemental welcome as they embark on their new path.

Donations to Mary and Martha’s go towards providing services and support such as:

• • A parenting program
  • Financial literacy and budgeting skills programs
  • An opportunity to attend Lutheran Youth camp – to experience a supportive Christian community while having fun
  • Healthy relationship program

We assist our clients to empower themselves with resilience and skills to actively work towards a better future for themselves and their children.

Our accommodation is safe, secure and modern offering:

• self-contained apartments
• a playground for children
• recreation area to connect with others

Donate to the LCAQD Lutheran Service Lenten appeal – Mary and Martha’s Refuge here Mary & Martha’s refuge | LCA Donations & Payments.

Bishop Paul Smith shares his joyous Christmas message!

www.facebook.com/watch/?v=1790100081149352

Lutheran Services was pleased to be able to thank staff recently for their enormous efforts during the COVID pandemic.

Large brightly coloured posters with a loud and proud ‘thank you’ message greeted staff when they arrived. A sweet treat was a small token of thanks.

It’s wonderful to celebrate our workers – including staff across disability, aged care and youth & family – who bring their smiles to people’s homes everyday.

Thank you!

A message of thanks from Bishop Paul Smith to our care givers on behalf of all Lutheran congregations in Queensland.

Special thanks to St Andrews resident Jan who has raised over $900 over the past 18 months for Lutheran Services’ Mary and Martha’s domestic violence refuge 👏

Her craft stall offers handmade soft toys, decorated hand towels, coat hangers, Christmas decorations and quilts.

If you are in the Tallebudgera area, drop by St Andrews – these lovely offerings are available near the reception area.