Annual report SA 2021

WELCOME

On behalf of the individuals, families and communities we help, I would like to express my gratitude to our staff and volunteers in South Australia (SA) for their commitment, compassion and perseverance over the past year.

We can't do this tremendous work alone and we have enjoyed strong relationships with our government and non-government funders, partners, local communities and donors. Thank you for supporting our organisation to deliver quality services that strive for positive long-term outcomes for vulnerable people in our community.

During the last year, our services have impacted the 16,386 Australians in SA on their journey towards independence. I am proud of our staff and volunteers who have assisted:

• over 1,100 people to engage in employment, education or training; and
• nearly 14, 500 South Australians through our NDIS services.

In South Australia, we were proud to be awarded five new contracts for Alcohol and Other Drugs services across metro and regional areas. We are also proud to have launched a new early intervention and prevention homelessness service in Southern Adelaide in partnership with the SA Government and other non-government organisations as part of the Toward Home Alliance.

Although the past year has been challenging, the stories from SA included in this Annual Report demonstrate the positive strengths, resilience and contributions of our teams who are dedicated to serving people in need and striving towards an Australia where all of us have a safe home and can thrive.

Warm regards,

Mychelle Curran
State Director TAS/SA

Ending homelessness

Through the Toward Home Prevent Program, Sophia has achieved her dream of a safe home. After fleeing a violent partner and living with her young children in a small motel, Sophia finally has a place to call home.

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Supporting people in need to thrive

When Tessa could no longer endure bullying at school, she dropped out. She thought her dream of becoming a Youth Worker was long gone until she heard about Flexible Learning Options in South Australia. Now, Tessa’s dream is back on track.

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Driving excellence

Our Impact Measurement helps us understand how our services improve the lives of our clients and the communities we serve. We measure our impact by asking our clients questions about their wellbeing when they start a service and when they exit. Our Drug and Alcohol Youth Outreach Service (funded by the Federal Government) and Youth & Family Alcohol and Other Drugs Service (funded by Mission Australia supporters) in South Australia provide community-based rehabilitation support to young people who struggle with substance misuse. Our impact measurement data shows that when young people left the service, they were more satisfied with their life as a whole than at the start.

Research & advocacy

Mission Australia made submissions and representations to government on a range of policy issues including:

• The importance of alternative education pathways, and
• A comprehensive youth treatment system that meets the needs of all young people who require support and treatment in relation to alcohol and other drug dependence.

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Our staff