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Sparkways: Serving and supporting communities for over a century
Freya Lucas
Aug 22, 2023
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Since 1883, Sparkways has been a cornerstone in the communities it serves, empowering Melbourne’s children and young people to thrive. With a caring heart and unwavering commitment, Sparkways legacy extends beyond education, providing vital support to those in need.
At Sparkways’ Melton West Preschool, a deep-rooted tradition of compassion is evident. For over 50 years, the preschool has been educating and caring for young children, many of whom are classified as vulnerable. The dedicated team of educators works closely to support these children, understanding the unique challenges they face.With 14 Early Start children attending – the second-highest number in all of Victoria – the preschool embraces the unique complexities of its community.
The long-standing team of educators at Melton West works closely to support the children and help them become ready for school. Their approach goes beyond education, reflecting an understanding of the many vulnerabilities their families face.
Educational Leader Bess Beavis plays a vital role in building connections with community support services.
“We started education sessions called ‘Coffee and Chat’ with families from the service,” she explained.
“The topics we cover are speech and language development, managing big emotions, and getting ready for school. It’s an informal and friendly forum to give helpful advice and help build connections.”
Sparkways CEO Daniel Findley expanded, saying “we are not-for-profit, and our services are embedded in our communities, which means we respond to community needs where we can. Being able to go above and beyond what is expected is an exciting aspect of working here.”
Sparkways’ commitment to community support extends to initiatives like offering a community pantry stocked with food and clothing.
“It became fairly clear once gas and electricity prices went up, and winter began that some of our families were really struggling to feed themselves,” shared Simone Smith, Centre Director at Billy Button.
“The community pantry was the way to go.”
The Billy Button team collect donated food, everything from the basics to luxury items, which sit on display in the foyer of the building for any family that needs it. There is also a rack of coats, given the bitterness of this winter, for anyone who needs one.
“We don’t ask any questions about who takes the food or the coats, we simply make them available to families and if they need them, they are welcome to take them.” Ms Smith said.
She acknowledged that working with parents and families all day every day makes it easy to see both their joys and their struggles. While it can be difficult to watch the families in need, she is proud to provide them with a community pantry with the help of another local non-profit.
Examples of community care are abundant within Sparkways. Whenever funds are available, they step in to support families in need, whether it’s through some fee relief or through giving aid to families experiencing domestic violence.
“Being a not for profit we can’t afford to provide financial support every day, but we acknowledge that these events do happen every day for our families. We believe in equal education for all children, and we can help make that more likely with a variety of support mechanisms for the families who need it most,” Mr Findley said.
Sparkways’ staff work diligently to link families with the services they need when they need them, knowing that often just providing a name, an agency, or a contact can make a world of difference for someone in distress at times of domestic violence, illness, or any event that can throw a household into chaos.
The Sparkways’ team are instrumental in bringing their communities together, helping them to support each other through stressful events, especially at times when the effect can be substantial on their children. Though the team may not always provide direct support, they excel in galvanising their communities into action, and it’s seldom that the communities don’t respond.
Sparkways stands as more than just an organisation that provides early learning and care services; it is a catalyst for support in the community, ensuring that where possible, no one gets left behind.
The story of Sparkways is 140 years strong. To learn more about Sparkways, please see here.
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