At Igniting Change, (formerly Pilotlight Australia), we try to maximise the impact of the support we enable. In most cases we work with small organisations that can make a small amount go a long way.
In 2007 we supported Lifeline Hobart to introduce their CHATS program. Through this initiative Lifeline helps re-engage older people, often isolated in their homes, with existing activities within their community. This program thrived under our support and after two years proved its value and garnered ongoing support locally.
In 2008 we supported the Uniting Care St Kilda Drop-In Centre for men who are homeless or living in local boarding houses. They required a small amount of money to fund an Outreach Worker to visit local people who were too unwell and socially isolated to visit the Centre and access the support it provides.
Following this initial grass roots support, the organisation has been able to prove the value of the program and gain support from other sources.
At the Larapinta Town Camp in Alice Springs we were able to inspire support for an extraordianry art program based at Yarrenyty-Arltere Learning Centre. We helped them realise their dream of a multi generational community place employing a part time Art Co-ordinator who worked with camp residents to develop programs tailored to their needs. These programs have led to dramatic improvements in their well-being, a social enterprise and a profile on the national arts and crafts market.
St Kilda Gatehouse is a tiny but mighty organisation supporting street sex workers in St Kilda. When we first visited they were running on much heart but little financial resources. The inspiring team dreamed of offering the women, who were ready for change, a real opportunity to move permanently out of street work. Through our visits with small groups of women keen to learn and offer support, we enabled financial resources to put Gatehouse on a more stable footing. They have in turn been able to leverage further funds, and now they are able to offer a transition program to support women with the strength and courage to make the move.
