November 20 -Taldumande Morning TeaTaldumande held its first Morning Tea function at the Residential House in Neutral Bay. The event was to say “Thank You” to all Taldumande supporters over the years. Every financial or in kind donation from local individuals, businesses, corporations, councils, clubs, politicians, churches and the media has been greatly appreciated. Without this support we would not be able to provide the level of support that we do for our local young people in need. Heartfelt speeches were delivered by Taldumande’s Chairman of the Board Michael Morton-Evans, as well as by our long standing supporter, and now Vice Patron Jillian Skinner MP. However, without a doubt, the speech of the day came from one of our residents Rachael. Bravely, she gave an account of her road to homelessness and how she found Taldumande and the support she has since that time. Her life is different now. There wasn’t a single listener that was not moved. Here is her story from that morning: Hi, my name is Rachael and I’ve been a part of Taldumande Youth services for 3 years now and I’ve been out of home since I was 14. I originally left home because of my mother’s drug and alcohol problems, I was moving from house to house, trying to find somewhere to sleep, eat and shower. I came to Taldumande when I was 15 and since then things have never been the same, things have changed for the better for since I first arrived at Taldumande at the fully supported refuge at Neutral Bay. My father contacted the Salvation army in search of a place for me to stay as he couldn’t support me nor look after me as he and I had no previous contact throughout my younger years. Once again thank you everyone for your support. For those who could make it, we hope you enjoyed the morning. Katrina Richardson Click on the link below to view photos of the morninghttp://www.taldumande.org.au/index.php?option=com_igallery&view=gallerymenu&Itemid=43
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Mosman Fair , Sunday 25th October 2009
For the first time, Taldumande participated in this major local annual event. The morning was very encouraging as staff handed out brochures and engaged the local public in discussions about who and what Taldumande does in the community. Not surprisingly, people were simply not aware of the extent of youth homelessness on the North Shore. So in terms of building awareness, it was a very successful morning...and I mean morning! Around midday the heavens opened on the entire Fair, leaving no one dry or happy as they packed and left the venue. We even managed to raise $50 in our donations tin, with the thanks of some yummy homemade coconut ice which was up for sale. Thank you to all staff ‘who spread the Taldy word’ at the Fair and endured one mighty downpour and survived!Katrina Richardson |
Who are we?
Taldumande is a not-for-profit community organisation based in Neutral Bay on Sydney’s lower north shore, governed by a volunteer Board of Management and managed by professional and qualified staff.
The organisation works with young people and their families in their local communities who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless , covering the wider northern and central city areas of Sydney.
In 33 years of service delivery, Taldumande has assisted thousands of young people by providing a range of accommodation and support options and through direct support to young people and parents/families experiencing difficult and challenging times at home.
We aim to offer services that enhance family relationships and assist in the prevention of youth homelessness and family breakdown. In response to the changing needs of families and young people in crisis within our local community, we provide quality short and medium term accommodation, case management, aftercare, outreach and additional support services.
Parents, Barbara & Glenn
… it was a blessing when our son approached Taldumande for help. At last we had a skilled mediator and a ‘neutral’ place to meet. Thank you for being able to tease out the truth about why he left home. Thank you for meeting so often with us to listen to our thoughts, dry tears and relay information on how he was going…
We know, but for the particular quality of the social work Taldumande provided, the whole story would have been very different. Your service ‘saved the day’ in a very professional and constructive way, at a time when our family was too strained to cope. You helped our son reach the decision to come back to a better home, with a clearer understanding of the realities of looking after himself. We will always be very grateful to Taldumande and its supporters.
"How Taldumande Changed My Life"
My island upon a vast and indifferent ocean, I’ve taken refuge there. After being tossed violently around on a uncaring sea for what seemed like an eternity, my caseworker was like the light at the end of my tunnel.
My unit, which my case manager helped me to obtain, has been my sanctuary. A place where I can find some solace and after many months finally an element of peace. The workers have been like friendly island folk. I can be myself around them and be accepted for who I am.
They are compassionate and kind and are able to alter one of my dejected moods with just one smile or word of encouragement. The free meals and generous Christmas presents don’t hurt either.
Mi 1st case manager, Simon, rescued me from horrible forces that were working against me. His kindness and empathy were like ointment applied to the bruise of my soul. My new case manager, Tim, has helped me to really get direction in my life. Thanks to him I am now doing a traineeship with an insurance company and have finally found some direction. I am no longer a drifter but someone who is now on the right path to achieving my goals. “
Every night across NSW over 11,000 children and young people are homeless...
...Most of them in Sydney
Taldumande has assisted homeless young people in crisis since 1976 and is now the ONLY emergency accommodation available for young people in Sydney’s northern suburbs. We receive over 300 referrals each year.
